Assassination of Benazir Bhutto

28th December 2007 Kevin Rudd - Prime Minister

Australia condemns unequivocally the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. This is an attack on the democracy of Pakistan. This is an attack on the stability of Pakistan. This is an attack on the forces for moderation in Pakistan. This assassination is an evil act, it’s a cowardly act, it is an act which has brought about universal condemnation from around the world and deservedly so.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

We are looking now at a period ahead where the questions concerning the political stability of Pakistan will be in the forefront of people’s minds. We’re looking at a period ahead where democratic processes in Pakistan will be under further challenge. We’re looking ahead to a period where the international community will be watching very closely what now transpires in Pakistan itself.

I have asked the Foreign Minister of Australia to be in contact with his Pakistani counterpart to convey the views of the Australian Government on these matters.

I repeat, this act, this murder, this assassination of Benazir Bhutto and of many other innocent civilians, is a cowardly act, it’s an evil act, it is deserving entirely of the condemnation of all civilised peoples around the world.

On the question which has already been raised by many today concerning the proposed cricket tour by Australia to Pakistan this year, I’ll be having further discussions with Cricket Australia during the course of today as will the Government more generally in the days and weeks ahead. These matters were discussed between myself and Cricket Australia yesterday prior to these horrendous events and those discussions will continue today.

Our first and foremost concern – like Cricket Australia’s – is the safety and security of the Australian cricket team and we will be providing through the government every source of information necessary for Cricket Australia to be making an informed judgement about the future of that particular tour.

Furthermore, we believe that it’s important that all people of goodwill around the world express unreserved condemnation for this appalling act of violence in Pakistan today.