Bhutto Takes Oath, Vows Gains

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Benazir Bhutto took the oath of office as prime minister today, assuming the job her father lost in a coup 11 years ago and ushering in a new era of democracy.

“Our message is one of hope, peace, liberty and progress,” Bhutto said later in a televised nationwide address. In her address, Bhutto painted a bleak economic picture, saying: “Our entire fiscal system is nearing bankruptcy. We are faced with the prospect of disaster, but a whole generation is ready to channel everything in the direction of reconstruction.”