The US embassy in Islamabad has termed reports connecting Washington to an international conspiracy behind former premier Benazir Bhutto's assassination as "completely outrageous and unfounded".
US embassy spokesperson Elizabeth Colton, in response to written questions sent by local daily
"The News", described the assassination as a tragedy for Pakistan and the whole world and said, "The suggestion of US involvement is completely outrageous and unfounded."
The paper said Colton was asked to comment on the growing perception in Pakistan that Bhutto's killing was part of an international conspiracy to which the US was said to be a leading part with the grand design of destabilising and denuclearising Pakistan.
When asked if Washington had "pressurised" Bhutto to strike a deal with President Pervez Musharraf, Colton said, "Our consistent interest is to see Pakistan succeed as a moderate, democratic country, led by the choice of the Pakistani people. We do not endorse particular candidates or parties. We are ready to work with whomever the Pakistani people choose to lead them."