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Ministry Warns Finns to Avoid Pakistan

Finland's Ministry for Foreign Affairs has warned against travelling to Pakistan following Thursday's assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto and the ensuing violence.

The ministry describes the security situation in Pakistan as extremely dire, adding that there is a strong possibility of further terrorist attacks at any time or place.

President Tarja Halonen and Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen have expressed their sorrow and condemnation of Bhutto's assassination.

In a statement, Halonen expressed the hope "that the act will not push Pakistan into an even worse cycle of violence, and that the development of democracy in Pakistan can be strengthened."

Vanhanen described the killing of Bhutto as a setback for the international community. Vanhanen said that Bhutto's return to Pakistan to advance democracy was a courageous act. She returned from self-imposed exile in October to contest elections scheduled for January 8.

Bhutto, the first woman elected prime minister in a Muslim country, escaped unhurt from a deadly suicide attack in October. On Saturday the Pakistani Interior Ministry said 38 people had been killed in rioting since her assassination. New Travel Advisory for St Petersburg

On Friday, the Finnish Foreign Ministry also updated its travel advisory for nearby St Petersburg, Russia. It urges Finns visiting the area to be cautious especially when driving, using public transport and crossing streets, and to be particularly vigilant about passports and valuables.

Sources: YLE