WASHINGTON, Oct 26 (Bernama) — The US has said it is encouraging Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf to work more closely with Benazir Bhutto and other moderates, even as three top Senators urged the General to ensure the safety of the former premier in the wake of the recent attempt on her life, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice while touching upon the situation in Pakistan at a US congressional hearing Wednesday, said the US hopes “there will be an effort of all moderates to be prepared for fully democratic elections to take place in the parliament in December, so that Pakistan can take that next step toward a more stable democratic environment.”
Senators Joseph Biden, Joseph Lieberman and Patrick Leahy meanwhile in an unusual letter to Musharraf, warned that the suicide attack on Bhutto’s motorcade which killed 140 people, highlighted risks faced by all candidates in the elections.
“We believe this devastating attack serves as a stark reminder of the need for effective security mechanisms for the rotection of all candidates and their supporters (particularly, although not exclusively, Ms. Bhutto and members of her party)…”
The senators asked Musharraf to provide the level of security to Bhutto offered to any former Pakistani premier.
They also urged the General not to use security concerns as a rationale for imposing a ban on political rallies in Pakistan, and wanted a full probe into the Oct 18 attack.
Biden is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a presidential candidate. Leahy is head of Senate panel responsible for financing foreign operations.
The Senators suggested the use of government bomb-proof vehicles and jamming equipment to protect Bhutto and other political leaders from roadside bombs.
They also said they were “troubled” by allegations “well founded or not” of potential links between extremist forces and current or retired military or intelligence officials.
“We urge you to ensure that any individual involved in (or alleged to have been involved in) past political action against Ms. Bhutto and her supporters be excluded from any part of the former prime minister’s security detail.”