By IANS
Johannesburg : The South African government has condemned the assassination of former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto in a suicide attack Thursday.
“South African President Thabo Mbeki, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, and on his own behalf, condemns the assassination of Benazir Bhutto and other Pakistani nationals in Rawalpindi,” said foreign affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa Thursday.
Mamoepa said South Africa condemned all forms of violence to achieve political objectives.
“The South African government appeals to all political parties and the people of Pakistan to remain calm during this very turbulent period in its history and remain committed to the political processes and towards elections,” he said.
South Africa joins the international community in “reaching out in thought and prayer to the family of Benazir Bhutto as well as to those who have lost their loved ones”, he said.
“It’s a very sad day for women’s rights activists the world over,” said Ranie Ramparsad of Women for Peace, a South African advocacy body.
“Benazir epitomised everything that we stand for as well. Her bravery and courage in the face of unparalleled opposition, to rise to the highest office in the country in a clearly patriarchal society was an inspiration to all of us.”
Ramparsad said the legacy that Bhutto had left behind would serve as a lesson for women all over the world for generations to come.