Benazirs death may affect Oz Armys stay in Afghanistan

The assassination of former Pakistan premier Benazir Bhutto might impact Australian militarys involvement in Afghanistan, Federal Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson has said.

Melbourne, Dec 28 : The assassination of former Pakistan premier Benazir Bhutto might impact Australian military's involvement in Afghanistan, Federal Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson has said.

Deadly violence erupted across Pakistan in reaction to the assassination, and Dr Nelson said that it had the potential to impact on Australian soldiers in neighbouring Afghanistan.

"The struggle in Afghanistan will rely as much on what happens in Pakistan as it does in Afghanistan itself," he said.

Dr Nelson said that he would seek a security briefing from the Kevin Rudd Government on the assassination to try and assess what impact it would have on Australia's fight in Afghanistan.

The same security briefing should be made available to the Australian Cricket Board so that a decision could be made on whether the team's planned tour of Pakistan should go ahead next year, News.com.au quoted Dr Nelson, as saying.

Paying tribute to Bhutto's bravery, Dr Nelson said: "Every Australian looking for inspiration in 2008 need look no further than Bhutto's life. She knew that her life was at risk, but she believed very much in democracy in Pakistan."

"Australians need to understand that our generation is engaged in fighting the resurgence of totalitarianism throughout the world," he said.

Ms Bhutto, 54, died after a suicide attacker shot her in the neck and chest before detonating a bomb following an election rally in the city of Rawalpindi.

ANI