Bhutto’s courage gave hope to other South Asians

- President 

[Friday, December 28, 2007 - 11.15 GMT]    

Her courage and commitment, having escaped the first attempt on her life, is an ineluctable mark of her fearless character to take up the challenge posed by terrorism. In refusing to bow down to terrorism she has given hope to other South Asians facing the brutal horrors of this menace  in the region said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a condolence message to the family of late Benazir Bhutto.

She was also a role model for the women of Asia who were taking measured steps to break loose from the shackles of the past. Her commitment and her fearless perseverance will be a beacon to the younger generation.

Full text of the condolence message

South Asia has lost another leader to the scourge of terrorism haunting the region.

It is unthinkable that the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mrs. Benazir Bhutto, who returned to serve her people, should become the latest leader to fall victim to terrorism.  She returned home knowing that she would have to face serious threats from those seeking to influence the will of the people through terror but she placed her trust in the Pakistani people.

Her courage and commitment, having escaped the first attempt on her life, is an ineluctable mark of her fearless character to take up the challenge posed by terrorism.  In refusing to bow down to terrorism she has given hope to other South Asians facing the brutal horrors of this menace in the region.

She was also a role model for the women of Asia who were taking measured steps to break loose from the shackles of the past.  Her commitment and her fearless perseverance will be a beacon to the younger generation.

I mourn her loss.  I offer my sincere condolences to her family and to the people of Pakistan.

                                       Mahinda Rajapaksa

December 28, 2007