MGPK02: ICELAND CONDEMNS BHUTTO ASSASSINATION

UNCLAS REYKJAVIK 000353 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV IC PK SUBJECT: MGPK02: ICELAND CONDEMNS BHUTTO ASSASSINATION ¶1. Icelandic President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson said the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto "was a deplorable reminder of the sacrifices that are always made when the consolidation of democracy is attempted." Grimsson added, "Benazir Bhutto was a respected leader that firmly warned against terrorism and extremist forces. She was highly educated and open minded; I became well aware of that during our conversations in previous years, [where she] radiated energy and fighting spirit. She possessed a deep understanding of the common interests of the West and the Islamic world. The forces of reconciliation have now lost a strong leader." ¶2. Icelandic Foreign Minister Ingibjorg Solrun Gisladottir strongly condemned the assassination, calling it "disastrous, not only for Pakistan, but for the whole world." Gisladottir said that Bhutto had raised hopes of restoring democracy in Pakistan, and that it will be difficult to fill her shoes. KLOPFENSTEIN