UN to investigate Bhutto killing

Pakistan and the United Nations have agreed in principle to set up a UN panel to investigate the killing of Pakistani ex-PM Benazir Bhutto.

Pakistan's foreign minister said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon had agreed to his government's request for such an investigation.

A UN statement said a broad understanding had been reached, but further consultation would be required.

Ms Bhutto was killed during a suicide attack on a rally last December.

Five people have been arrested in connection with the killing, but no one has been convicted.

After meeting Mr Ban on Thursday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told reporters: "The objectives are for the commission to identify the culprits, perpetrators, organisers and financiers of the assassination."

He added that Mr Ban had asked for further consultation with Pakistan and UN officials but that a "broad understanding" had been reached on the nature of the commission, its funding, access to information and ways to safeguard its impartiality and independence.

"In principle we have decided to move on, but the modalities have to be discussed," Mr Qureshi said.