Dubai, Dec 27 (UNI) The UAE Foreign Affairs Minister today condemned the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and called on the people of Pakistan to unify ranks in the face of vicious terror.

''The UAE is appalled by this great loss, which is not only a tragic loss for the people of Pakistan but also for the entire UAE people,'' said Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"I can't find words to express our condemnation for this criminal and cowardly act. The late Benazir Bhutto was a great friend of the UAE and had strong relations with this country", said Mr Abdullah said in a statement.

According to a report, the UAE official called on the people of Pakistan to keep their differences aside and to solidify their unity in the face of their enemies who are bent on destablising the country. Sheikh Abdullah also called on the family of the late Ms Bhutto to remain strong as they faced this immeasurable loss.

Sheikh Abdullah extended the condolences of the Government and the people of the UAE to the people of Pakistan on the demise of Benazir Bhutto who was assassinated in a suicide attack that also killed at least 20 others at the end of a campaign rally.

Meanwhile supporters of Ms Bhutto in Dubai and other emirates were in a shock and several hundred shops and small establishments run by Pakistanis were glued to the television watching news from their home.

He said Ms Bhutto with her three children and husband had been staying in Dubai for the last many years. The family which chose to stay back after she returned to Pakistan to contest the forthcoming elections is now on the way to Pakistan to attend the funeral of Ms Bhutto.

UNI