Statement of the Foreign Ministers of the Visegrad Group countries and Germany on the assassination of the Minister of Minorities in the Government of Pakistan, Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti

We, the Foreign Ministers of the Visegrad Group countries and Germany, strongly condemn assassination of the Minister of Minorities in the Government of Pakistan, Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, on 2 March.

We call on the Pakistani authorities to investigate this crime and to bring those responsible to justice.

In this regard, we also want to stress the utmost necessity to fight against extremism and intolerance and to strengthen respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of religion and belief.

We express our sincere condolences to Mr. Bhatti's family, to the Government and people of Pakistan.