"... Obviously security and stability is important. And in the wake of this tragedy (Bhutto's murder), we want to talk with officials in Pakistan to make sure that we are providing our advice as they need it or want it. Certainly, General Kayani has a responsibility for stability in the country, as the leader of the army. And those are conversations that would be natural..." he said.
The White House has also said that the elections of January 8, 2008 should be the determination of the Pakistanis.
"It is important that the democratic process move forward. We believe that is the right thing to do. Obviously we're just in the early hours of the wake of this tragedy, so those are discussions that the various political parties in Pakistan are probably having right now," Stanzel said stressing that the US is urging for calm.
"After an assassination like this of a political leader, there is a risk of people turning to violence to express their anger. And we would urge calm and hope that all the Pakistanis would mourn her death, celebrate her life, and unite together in opposition to the types of extremists that are trying to stop the march of democracy," Stanzel said.
