OTTAWA: December 27, 2007. Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Calgary East, joins the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in condemning the assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto: Earlier today Minister Bernier stated, "Canada condemns in the strongest terms this attack on the restoration of Pakistan's efforts to return to full democracy. Today's violence is especially heinous in view of the upcoming elections on January 8, 2008. The anti-democratic intent of the perpetrators could not be more obvious. Mr. Obhrai echoed Minister Bernier`s sentiments and wishes also to "urge the Government and people of Pakistan to reject violence." Obhrai addded, "our government extends its most sincere condolences to the family of Benazir Bhutto, and to all the families affected by today's attack." Our thoughts and prayers are with them."