By IANS,
New Delhi : The United Nations (UN) is ready to assist Pakistan in conducting a probe into the assassination of Pakistan’s former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said here Friday.
But he indicated the world organisation was not in favour of an independent investigation into the attack.
“I had discussed it with Pakistani authorities. I also discussed it with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari last month,” Ban told reporters here when asked whether the UN will conduct a probe into the assassination of Bhutto by unidentified militants in December last year.
“The UN is ready to provide necessary assistance to Pakistan in finding out the truth,” Ban said.
“We need to discuss the modalities, scope and financing of the commission. It will take some time, but we are ready to provide assistance,” the UN chief said, indicating that the UN was not in favour of an independent inquiry.
Last month, Ban had ruled out an independent probe by the UN into Bhutto’s assassination as demanded by the Pakistan government, but said the global body was considering appointing a fact-finding commission.