President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom sends his condolences following the tragic assassination of Mrs. Benazir Bhutto

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                                                                                                   Male'
                                                                                                   27 December 2007

His Excellency Mr. Pervez Musharraf,
President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,
Islamabad.

Your Excellency,

                   I was deeply shocked and grieved to learn of the assassination today of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mrs. Benazir Bhutto. The Government of the Maldives condemns in the strongest possible terms this senseless act of terror which killed Mrs. Bhutto and over a dozen innocent civilians and left many more injured.

                   The government and people of the Maldives join me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to you, and your Government and to the brotherly people of Pakistan, at this time of distress and sorrow. Mrs. Bhutto had served Pakistan for many years, and during her years as Prime Minister, played an important role in regional and world affairs. She was also a very good friend of the Maldives.

                   The Maldives has long been a strong supporter of the global fight against terrorism. We, therefore, sincerely hope that our fight against terrorism will bear fruit and thereby lead to greater peace and harmony for the peoples of South Asia.

                   Please convey our profound sympathy to Mrs. Bhutto's bereaved family and to the families of all those who were killed by the suicide blast.

                   "Surely to Allah do we belong and surely to Him is our return."

                                                                                    Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
                                                                         President of the Republic of Maldives

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