The willful negligence of the Speaker of Parliament and others has become increasingly exposed, and there is little doubt in most people's minds that very powerful individuals were behind the assassination.

From the very beginning our family has pressed for an international investigation, convinced that local investigators, however competent or well-intentioned, would be unable to resist pressures from their superiors seeking to block a full investigation. Events have proved us correct. Even after a year there has been little progress in uncovering the masterminds, and the government's intentions (in this and the investigations of other political killings) are increasingly suspect, as only a few lower-level members of the ruling party have been charged with the murder. Moreover, the absence of separation of the judiciary from the executive has raised many questions about the government's control over the judicial process. The terrible consequences of the climate of impunity in which the killers have operated freely are now understood by all.

I would like to thank you all for standing by us in our fight for justice. It has been a lonely struggle at times but we have gained hope and courage from our friends both here and abroad who have spent their valuable time and energy to support our cause or have joined in our peaceful campaign of protests against all political killings. We had warned then that it might be a long struggle for justice but that this would not deter us. I hope our friends will continue to support us in the days ahead, as we work to create the conditions where such campaigns for justice become unnecessary.

The entire nation, and indeed, the very foundations of our Republic are now under attack by the evil forces of hatred, intolerance and greed. The same groups that are behind the killing of my husband and so many others seem to have everything in their favour: money, guns and power. This is no cause for despondency. No one must forget that such an intimidating array of forces has been confronted before in our history, when those who stood united in their belief in a tolerant and just society emerged victorious. There is a tough struggle ahead, but anyone who believes in the courage and determination of the common people of this country should have no doubt about the outcome.