Italy on Thursday condemned the assassination of Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.
In a message issued shortly after the former Pakistani premier was killed by a suicide attack in Rawalpindi, Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema called the attack ''an act of barbaric violence''.
Premier Romano Prodi said ''the sacrifice of ex-premier Bhutto must be the strongest example for those who won't give in to terrorism''.
Both officials pledged Italy's support for Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and determination to press ahead with upcoming elections, which have already been postponed once.
The Vatican said Bhutto's death was ''terrible news''.
