UN yet to decide on Bhutto death probe

New York, Dec 27 (PTI) Seven months after Pakistan made
the request, the United Nations is yet to decide about setting
up an independent Commission of Inquiry into the circumstances
of assassination of its former premier Benazir Bhutto exactly
a year ago, but hoped to establish it soon.

In a message on the first death anniversary of Bhutto,
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed hope that Commission
"could be established soon."

"On this painful anniversary, the Secretary-General
stands in solidarity with the Government and the people of
Pakistan and assures them of his commitment to contribute to
their search for truth and justice," his spokesperson said.

"The Secretary-General is hopeful that with the
progression of the discussions the Commission could be
established in the near future," she said.

The Pakistan government had sought an independent panel
to establish the circumstances leading to her killing as
questions were raised about the veracity of the conclusions
reached by its own investigating agencies.

The UN has held internal discussions as also talks with
Pakistan to decide on the nature and scope of the Commission
but, so far had not reached to a conclusion.

In July, Ban had discussed the matter with Pakistani
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmod Qureshi and a broad
understanding was reached on such issues as the nature of the
Commission, funding modalities, composition, unhindered access
to all sources of relevant information and elements to
safeguard its objectivity, impartiality and independence.

But Ban indicated then that further consultation
with Pakistan and others within the UN was needed to establish
details and the Commission's structure, including its scope
and mandate. PTI