Bush: Attack on Bhutto 'Cowardly'

Dec. 27, 2007 — -- President Bush called the attack that killed former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto "cowardly" and called for those responsible for the assassination to face justice.

Speaking from his ranch in Crawford, Texas, Bush told reporters today, "The United States strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan's democracy. Those who committed this crime must be brought to justice."

Bush praised Bhutto's past leadership of her country and acknowledged that despite the danger posed to her life after her return to Pakistan from exile earlier this fall, "she refused to allow assassins to dictate the course of her country."

"We stand with the people of Pakistan in their struggle against the forces of terror and extremism. We urge them to honor Benazir Bhutto's memory by continuing with the democratic process for which she so bravely gave her life," Bush said.

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Bush also offered his condolences to Bhutto's family, friends and supporters, as well as the families of the others killed in the attack. The White House said Bush called Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, at approximately 1:15 p.m. ET.

According to White House spokesman Scott Stanzel, Bush first learned of the attack at his regular morning briefing, which began at 8:30 a.m. ET.

At the State Department today, spokesman Tom Casey read a statement from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at a press briefing. Rice extended her sympathy and condolences on the "tragic death" of Bhutto and said, "We condemn in the strongest possible terms, this cowardly and murderous attack. Ms. Bhutto's passing is a great loss for Pakistan."

"I knew her as a woman of great courage and had been impressed by her dedication and commitment to democracy and the future of Pakistan itself," Rice's statement continued.

Casey confirmed that Rice called Bhutto's husband after the attack to personally offer her condolences.

As for the situation in Pakistan, the statement continued, "The deadly results of this attack will no doubt test the will and patience of the people of Pakistan. We urge the Pakistani people, political leaders, and civil society to maintain calm, and to work together to build a more moderate, peaceful and democratic future."