WASHINGTON, Dec 28: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, while visiting the Pakistan Embassy on Friday to sign the condolence book, described former prime minister Benazir Bhutto’s death as a “great tragedy, great mourning.”

She said Ms Bhutto was a courageous woman and a champion of democracy. “In my conversations with her, her commitment and her dedication came through very clearly, and most especially her love for her people and for her country,” Ms Rice said.

“And I believe that her legacy will be one of being remembered for that dedication … the way to honour her memory is to continue the democratic process in Pakistan so that the democracy that she so hoped for can emerge.”

Asked if the elections in Pakistan should be held as scheduled, on Jan 8, Ms Rice said the US was in contact with all the parties in Pakistan. “But, obviously, it’s just very important that the democratic process go forward,” she added.