World leaders condemn attacks in Mumbai, offer condolences to victims

Source: Xinhua | 11-28-2008 11:02

BEIJING, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of many major countries and international organizations have strongly condemned the terror attacks in Mumbai, India, which killed at least 125 people and injuring 327.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the terrorist attacks in Mumbai on Wednesday, demanding that the perpetrators be brought to justice.

"Such violence is totally unacceptable," Ban said in a statement issued by his spokesperson. "The secretary-general reiterates his conviction that no cause or grievance can justify indiscriminate attacks against civilians," the statement said.

Ban offered his sympathies to the families of the victims and the wounded. He also voiced his solidarity with the Indian government and people.

U.S. President George W. Bush called Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday to express condolences for the victims, a spokesperson said.

"President Bush spoke this morning by telephone with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to express condolences to the victims of the terror attacks in Mumbai, India, and solidarity with the people of India," White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said in a statement.

"The president offered support and assistance to the government of India as it works to restore order, provide safety to its people and comfort to the victims and their families and investigate these despicable acts," Perino said.

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama on Wednesday also condemned the terror attacks.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday sent a message of condolences to Indian leaders, the presidential press service said.

"The monstrous crimes of terrorists in Mumbai arouse our wrath, indignation and unconditional condemnation," Medvedev said in a message to the his Indian counterpart Pratibha Patil and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"The inhuman terrorist attacks on hospitals, hotels and other public places aimed at killing civilians, taking and murdering hostages are crimes directed against the foundation of civilized society," he said.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday sent a message of condolences to his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh, strongly condemning Wednesday's attacks, saying the Chinese government is firmly opposed to terrorism of any form.

On behalf of the Chinese government and himself, Wen expressed deep grief for the victims of the attacks and conveyed sincere condolences to the relatives of the victims and those wounded in the violence.

The European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union (EU), strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Mumbai Wednesday night, and rendered its support for the Indian government in the fight against terrorism.

"The European Commission condemns in the strongest terms the heinous terrorist attacks this night in Mumbai which have cost the lives of many innocent people and injured others. Terrorism is never justified and is by no means to achieve any goal. We stand by the Indian government in its fight against terrorism," said the commission in a statement.

"Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones and we wish a speedy recovery to those injured," it added.

President of the European Parliament (EP) Hans-Gert Pottering on Thursday also strongly condemned Wednesday's terrorist attacks, stressing that fighting terrorism must remain a political priority for the international community.