(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-01-02 20:09

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan is open to receiving foreign help in the investigation into Benazir Bhutto's assassination, a foreign office spokesman said Wednesday.

Pakistan is committed to a "thorough and transparent" investigation into the incident that claimed the life of late Pakistan People's Party chairperson and former prime minister on December 27, the spokesman said.

The announcement came shortly after a meeting between President Pervez Musharraf and visiting French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner in the capital city of Islamabad.

Kouchner, who embarked on a two-day visit to Islamabad on Tuesday with a team of forensic experts, extended condolences to Pakistan over the assassination of Bhutto and offered to help with the investigation by "contributing investigators."

The minister, who said he was speaking on behalf of the 27- member European Union, said he was not demanding an international investigation into Bhutto's assassination but would contribute forensic experts to help with the investigation.

Kouchner also expressed appreciation for Pakistan's efforts in fighting terrorism and extended the EU's support over it.

Full Coverage: Benazir Bhutto Assassinated