Bhutto will receive posthumous peace prize

ASSASSINATED Pakistani politician Benazir Bhutto is to posthumously receive the 2007 Tipperary Peace Prize, it was announced yesterday.

Ms Bhutto, who was killed on December 27 after addressing a rally in Rawalpindi, is being honoured for her courageous work on democracy and reconciliation in her country.

Speaking on World Day of Peace yesterday, the Tipperary peace convention said the accolade will be presented to a member of the politician’s family.

Spokesman Martin Quinn said: “Ms Bhutto was an incredibly brave woman who had returned from exile to her homeland to lead her party in the forthcoming elections.

“She knew the risks involved but she did so because she felt that her country and the Pakistani people needed her.

“Ms Bhutto fought all her battles through dialogue and political debate and was an example to all those who do not use or surrender to terrorism.

“Her selection should act as an inspiration to those in Pakistan who seek to secure democracy for their country.”

The award will be presented during the International Festival of Peace in Tipperary town in April 2008.

The convention committee chose Ms Bhutto after considering nominations received from members of the public.

The shortlist included Hollywood actor George Clooney for his work on Darfur, Northern Ireland First Minister Rev Ian Paisley, former Nobel Prize winner Shirin Ibadi and Indian spiritual teacher Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

The award was founded in 1984 to recognise people who promote peace in Ireland and abroad.

Previous winners include former South African President Nelson Mandela, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Bob Geldof and Bill Clinton.

Retired Archbishop of Armagh Dr Robin Eames won the accolade last year.