Mumbai bombings, global condemnation and solidarity
French President Nicolas Sarkozy: "An act cowardly." Barack Obama, U.S. President: "outrageous." The Secretary of State Hillary Clinton confirms official visit to India next week and insists: "the United States and India are united in the fight against terrorism." Peter Wittig, president of the UN Security Council: "criminal and unjustifiable act." Condemnation of John Dayal, secretary of the All India Christian Council, but "now hate must not cloud people's feelings."
Mumbai (AsiaNews / Agencies) - World leaders have condemned the suspected terrorist attack that struck Mumbai last night, killing at least 21 people and wounding 131 others. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the three blasts, but Interior Minister P Chidambaram told the media that it is "a coordinated terrorist attack", although it is too early to speculate on the actual charge.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy called the attack a "cowardly act ", while Peter Wittig, president of the United Nations Security Council, said that any terrorist act is "criminal and unjustifiable". The U.S. president Barack Obama has condemned the explosion as "outrageous", and the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has confirmed the official visit to the country, scheduled for next week. "Our condolences are with the victims of the blasts in Mumbai", said John Dayal, secretary of the All India Christian Council.
Yesterday's attack is reminiscent of that of Pakistan, which occurred in 2008, and many suspect there are connections between the two attacks. However, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and his Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani both condemned the blast.
Meanwhile, the Indian state television have broadcast images of ambulances racing to the scene of the explosions to carry away the wounded, but especially the residents of Mumbai, who though still confused and incredulous ferry survivors to hospitals, with cars, vans and motorcycles. The explosion was more powerful than the one that struck the Opera House. At the moment, it seems pipe bombs were used.
According to John Dayal, "national security now demands a constant vigilance: the terrorists are not the friends of mankind, and certainly no supporter of any cause can ever believe that they have valid reasons to attack innocent and unarmed people. We hope that the security services and the police will get to the bottom of this crime so that the voices of hate campaigns do not overwhelm and confuse people's feelings. We pray for the dead and the injured, especially for those who are now struggling between life and death. "
Expressing her condolences to the Indian government and people, Clinton said: " I believe it is more important then ever that we stand with India, dig deep in our partnership and reaffirm our commitment to the shared struggle against terrorism."
French President Nicolas Sarkozy called the attack a "cowardly act ", while Peter Wittig, president of the United Nations Security Council, said that any terrorist act is "criminal and unjustifiable". The U.S. president Barack Obama has condemned the explosion as "outrageous", and the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has confirmed the official visit to the country, scheduled for next week. "Our condolences are with the victims of the blasts in Mumbai", said John Dayal, secretary of the All India Christian Council.
Yesterday's attack is reminiscent of that of Pakistan, which occurred in 2008, and many suspect there are connections between the two attacks. However, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and his Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani both condemned the blast.
Meanwhile, the Indian state television have broadcast images of ambulances racing to the scene of the explosions to carry away the wounded, but especially the residents of Mumbai, who though still confused and incredulous ferry survivors to hospitals, with cars, vans and motorcycles. The explosion was more powerful than the one that struck the Opera House. At the moment, it seems pipe bombs were used.
According to John Dayal, "national security now demands a constant vigilance: the terrorists are not the friends of mankind, and certainly no supporter of any cause can ever believe that they have valid reasons to attack innocent and unarmed people. We hope that the security services and the police will get to the bottom of this crime so that the voices of hate campaigns do not overwhelm and confuse people's feelings. We pray for the dead and the injured, especially for those who are now struggling between life and death. "
Expressing her condolences to the Indian government and people, Clinton said: " I believe it is more important then ever that we stand with India, dig deep in our partnership and reaffirm our commitment to the shared struggle against terrorism."
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12/12/2005
12/12/2005
