China sends condolences over death of Bhutto

Source: Xinhua | 12-28-2007 16:24

BEIJING, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government Friday sent a message of condolences to Pakistan over the death of the country's opposition leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was killed in a suicide attack Thursday near the capital Islamabad Thursday, her party and interior ministry said. The suicide attacker first opened fire at her as she got into her car and then blew himself near the car after Bhutto finished addressing an election rally in a park in Rawalpindi, some 30 kms south from Islamabad. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

In the message, the Chinese government said it was shocked to learn of the assassination of Bhutto.

"Ms. Benazir Bhutto, a seasoned Pakistani statesman and an old friend of the Chinese people, has made significant contributions to the promotion of China-Pakistan friendly relations during her lifetime," said the message.

China extended profound condolences over Bhutto's death and sincere sympathies to her family, it said.

Bhutto, 54, was killed Thursday evening in a suicide bombing attack during her election rally at the Liaquat Bagh park in Rawalpindi, some 30km south of the Pakistani capital Islamabad. At least 20 others were killed in the attack.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei