NEW YORK: The United Nations has said it is ready to help Pakistan in its investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto if Islamabad makes a request for the world body’s assistance.
UN spokesperson Michele Montas said the world body could not act in the absence of a request from the Pakistani government seeking UN’s help in the probe.
The UN could not take any action on the statements made by Bhutto’s husband Asif Ali Zardari, she said. Zardari had demanded a UN investigation along the lines of the probe into the killing of Lebanese premier Rafiq Hariri.
“In case of Hariri’s murder, the request was received from the Lebanese government,” Montas told a press briefing.
Asked whether the request would have to come from President Pervez Musharraf himself, she said the executive branch of the government has to seek the inquiry.
However, she declined to answer whether the Secretary General himself could take action on the request or it needs to be referred to the Security Council.
“That would depend on the nature of the request,” she said.
Asked why Musharraf would ask for an independent inquiry as fingers have been pointed towards his government, she refused to give a direct reply saying the request for UN’s involvement has to come from the Pakistani government.
“This is an intergovernmental organization, as you know, and this is the way things have to be done. There cannot be any other body to ask. There can be pressure on a government to ask for this type of assistance, but it (the request) has to come from the government,” the UN spokesperson said.
Montas replied in the negative when asked whether any other government could seek establishment of an independent panel of inquiry for Pakistan.
“We have to get the request first on what specifically they will ask for. I cannot answer a hypothetical question. They have not asked specifically for us to send someone to help or for a task force to help with an investigation. If we do not have that request, we cannot go on with it. And that request should be specific. We will consider all aspects of the request. I cannot give you an answer beforehand. That is impossible,” she told media persons who repeatedly asked what other course was open if Musharraf does not seek international inquiry.
So why didn't the same people demand UN probe when Murtaza Bhutto was killed by Sindh police directly controlled by Mr. Zardari.....and BB who was the PM at that time blamed ISI for the killing.....double standards???
according to Marhooma, before she could conduct a thorough investigation, her Govt. was toppled. That's how i heard it in the interview she gave to the Geo guy, i forget his name. Iftikhar something.
On a more topical note:
I wonder if the concerned person in Islamabad will actually make a request, and if granted and all is well, will Zardari back out of this?
Just heard on GEO earlier today....Scotland Yard's investigation will NOT, i repeat WILL NOT include questioning Zardari. The investigation team has arrived in Pakistan, and details of the vehicle are/or have already been given to the team for angle analysis and whatever else that entails as to where the shots came from, how it happened, possibilities, etc..etc...
Sorry if i'm jumping too far ahead here but FAIR to me means, everyone gets questioned. what do u think?
exactly so and then the infestation of the country will gain its foothold for good.
they will do, kick up dirt, all they can to bring Pakistan to a point where the truth will become untruth and the untruth will change into truth.
If Pakistan Gov make request that they think a foreign government involved in assassination only then UN can come to Pak. First read their laws they post stuff mods plz close this thread.
If Pakistan Gov make request that they think a foreign government involved in assassination only then UN can come to Pak. First read their laws they post stuff mods plz close this thread.
UN has agreed to do the investigation as well. All the Govt. now has to do is JUST ask officially. that's it.
If Pakistan Gov make request that they think a foreign government involved in assassination only then UN can come to Pak. First read their laws they post stuff mods plz close this thread.
Neither did i say any of those names, nor did i say those were the conditions. UN has already agreed to conduct the investigation, all the Govt. has to do is ask. This coming not from me or my 'dreams' but from news and from UN.
Thanks.
Oh yaara why don't you understand, Pakistan gov has to officially name a foreign gov as suspect. Its their law, same happen in Rafiq hareeri case, Lebanon name Syria.
Oh yaara why don't you understand, Pakistan gov has to officially name a foreign gov as suspect. Its their law, same happen in Rafiq hareeri case, Lebanon name Syria.
What part didnt you understand, the UN ITSELF is saying they are ready to do it, provided the Govt ask them.
They are asking Gov to name a third country...why you are not understanding ?
Name a third country? If assasination was done by domestic elements, this does not necessitate th presence of a 3 rd country. Since when is that required?
Name a third country? If assasination was done by domestic elements, this does not necessitate th presence of a 3 rd country. Since when is that required?
Thats the UN law, you have to name a country as suspect. Thats why they are officially asking Pakistan Gov. If its domestic then UN can't interfere