The world is outraged

Mohammad Ali Hosseini, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman: 8220;It is a criminal act and is strongly condemned. What Pakistan strongly needs now is calmness and the return of stability.8221;

Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General: He said the assassination was a 8220;heinous crime8221; and an 8220;assault on stability8221; in Pakistan. The UN Security Council began consultations on the killing.

Carl Bildt, Sweden8217;s Foreign Minister: Bildt said he had felt disgust when receiving the news of Bhutto8217;s murder, which he called 8220;bestial8221;. 8220;I feel a strong worry for the consequences this will have for Pakistan,8221; he said.

Nicolas Sarkozy, French President: In a letter to Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, Sarkozy called the attack an 8220;odious act8221; and said 8220;terrorism and violence have no place in the democratic debate and the combat of ideas and programmes.8221; Sarkozy said Bhutto had paid 8220;with her life for her commitment to the service of her fellow citizens and to Pakistan8217;s political life8221; and urged Pakistan8217;s elections be held as scheduled on January 8.

David Miliband, British Foreign Secretary: In Britain, where Bhutto had attended Oxford University, Miliband said he was 8220;deeply shocked8221; by Bhutto8217;s death. 8220;Benazir Bhutto showed in her words and actions a deep commitment to her country,8221; Miliband said. 8220;She knew the risks of her return to campaign but was convinced that her country needed her.

This is a time for restraint but also unity.8221;

Italian Premier Romano Prodi: He said he was filled with grief and called Bhutto 8220;a woman who chose to fight her battle until the end with a single weapon 8212; the one of dialogue and political debate.8221;

8220;The difficult path toward peace and democracy in that region must not be stopped and Bhutto8217;s sacrifice will serve as the strongest example for those who do not surrender to terrorism,8221; Prodi said.

Mikhail Kamynin, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman: Mikhail Kamynin condemned the attack.8220;We hope that the leadership of Pakistan will succeed in taking all measures for guaranteeing security in the country,8221; Kamynin said.

Jose Manuel Barroso, president of the European Union8217;s executive arm, the European Commission: It was 8220;an attack against democracy and against Pakistan8221;.