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Monday, Oct 31, 2005

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World leaders condemn blasts

Special Correspondent

Yet another reminder that terror knows no borders: Rice

NEW DELHI: Several countries, including the U.S., Russia, China, Iran, the U.K. and Canada, have condemned the Delhi blasts and offered condolences to the dead.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said these acts were made more heinous in that they deliberately targeted innocent civilians who were preparing for holiday celebrations.

The incident, she said, was "another sad reminder that terror knows no borders and respects no religion. Fighting terror is our common struggle, and we stand with the people of India as they bring to justice those responsible for these cowardly acts."

Describing the blasts as "inhuman" and "pointless acts of terrorism", Russian President Vladimir Putin said they invoked grief and indignation among his countrymen.

"These explosions, in which tens of human lives were lost and caused sufferings to many innocent people, took place before Diwali which is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil. Terrorists have again shown that nothing is sacred for them; that they are driven entirely by blind malice and hatred for the whole mankind,'' he said. Mr. Putin also expressed Russia's grief at the railway accident in Andhra Pradesh that claimed more than 100 lives.

British Foreign Minister Jack Straw said the attacks, which appear to have been targeted at heavily populated areas to produce maximum carnage, were "yet another example of terrorists' cynical and callous disregard for human life." The British High Commission has established an emergency coordination centre and is checking the local hospitals.

Chinese President Hu Jintao expressed deep grief over the deaths and stressed that the Chinese Government condemned all forms of terrorism. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing also sent letters of condolences to their Indian counterparts.

Iran denounced the blasts, saying: "We condemn the New Delhi blasts which resulted in the killing of innocent people. To us, the explosions run counter to humane principles," the Iranian Embassy said here. The statement expressed sympathy with the Government of India, the nation and the bereaved families of the victims.Prime Minister of Canada Paul Martin said the violence was a cowardly act.

UNI reports:

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on Sunday said he was "appalled" by the bombings and urged India to prosecute those responsible.

A spokesman for Mr. Annan, in a statement said: "The Secretary-General is particularly shocked that this latest terrorist outrage has occurred on the eve of the major festival of Diwali."

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