NEW DELHI, Dec 27 (UNI): As Pakistan today observes the first anniversary of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto the United Nations said it hoped to soon establish an independent Commission of Inquiry into the circumstances that led to the killing of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan.
A senior official of the UN Office here said secretary general Ban ki-Moon had issued a statement saying that his office had consulted the Pakistan Government on the nature and scope of the Commission.
"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 in their search for truth and justice," the official said while quoting a statement by the Secretary-General.
The statement said the UN Secretariat had also consulted members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) about the Commission.
"The secretary-general is hopeful that, with the progression of the discussions, the Commission could be established in the near future," the statement said.
In July, Ban Ki-Moon had discussed the matter with Pakistan 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.
Ban indicated them that further consultation with Pakistan and others within the UN was needed to examine other modalities and the Commission's structure, including the scope and mandate, according to the official.
Ban had, during his visit to India, said the UN was ready to set up the Commission and was waiting for Pakistan's acceptance.
