Zardari urges US, UK to support UN probe demand

Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has appealed to the United States, UK and other countries to support the PPP’s demand for a United Nations investigation into Benazir Bhutto’s assassination.

In an opinion piece for an American newspaper, Mr Zardari wrote that the agencies had started working against Benazir Bhutto after her assuming power as prime minister, while baseless allegations leveled against her political allies to weaken the democratic government.

He reiterated earlier demands that a U.N. probe like the one that investigated the death of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was the only way to reveal the truth about the murder.

“Those responsible — within and outside of government — must be held accountable,” wrote Zardari.

Asif Ali Zardari called for the caretaker government and Election Commission to be re-constituted, in consultation with all major political parties.

Another key demand is for international observers to be given the right to conduct exit polls at polling station — something ruled out by the caretaker government.

Additionally, the PPP co-chairman also called for the restoration of the media and the release of all detained political activists, lawyers and judges.