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UPDATED
World
leaders condemns Mumbai blasts
- Toronto:
Dr Ruby Dhalla, MP condemns all acts of terrorism:
I share the shock and concern of many
Canadians in learning of the series of terrorist attacks in Mumbai
which have taken the lives of many innocent individuals and injured
hundreds of others. In speaking to many friends who reside in
Mumbai I have heard first hand of their grief, sadness, and distress.
The innocent civilians and foreigners that have been targeted
in these attacks are devastating. I join all Canadians in strongly
condemning all acts of terrorism that have taken the lives of
far too many.My thoughts and prayers are with the families and
friends of those that have been killed and injured. During this
difficult time I join many Canadians in offering our support.
- Canada: "This is a cowardly act. It's indiscrimate,
an assault on democracy." Minister of Foreign Affairs
Lawrence Cannon called the attacks "savage" and "cowardly".
He continued, "On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my condolences
to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, and
I wish a speedy recovery to the injured. We are working with the
Indian authorities to assist any Canadians who may have been affected
by these events. We will continue to monitor events as they develop.
- Australia: Prime Minister of Australia Kevin
Rudd said "We are following developments in India very closely."
"We are deeply concerned by these developments. We are deeply
concerned by the potential impact on Indian citizens and other
citizens.
- United Kingdom: British PM Gordon Brown condemned
the attacks, saying that "today's attacks in Mumbai which
have claimed many innocent victims, remind us, yet again, of the
threat we face from violent extremists. I condemn these attacks
unreservedly. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of
those killed and injured. The UK and India will continue their
joint efforts to counter the actions of terrorists." Foreign
Secretary David Milliband also condemned the attacks.
- Leader of opposition L K Advani has asked Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh to inquire into the attacks. He also asked
the people of India to stay united during this time of emergency.
- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon's spokesperson's statement:
"The secretary general condemns the rash of shootings and
blasts in Mumbai today, which killed and wounded a large number
of people. Such violence is totally unacceptable. The secretary
general reiterates his conviction that no cause or grievance can
justify indiscriminate attacks against civilians. He calls for
the perpetrators to be brought to justice swiftly. The secretary
general sends his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims
and the wounded and expresses his solidarity with the people and
government of India."
- United States: The U.S. State Department immediately
condemned the attacks, stating that there so far have been no
reports of American casualties. White House spokesman Tony Fratto
condemned the attacks
- United States President-elect Barack Obama's transition
team spokesperson Brooke Anderson condemned the attacks,
stating that "[Mr. Obama's] thoughts and prayers are
with the victims, their families, and the people of India.
These coordinated attacks on innocent civilians demonstrate
the grave and urgent threat of terrorism. The United States
must continue to strengthen our partnerships with India and
nations around the world to root out and destroy terrorist
networks. We stand with the people of India, whose democracy
will prove far more resilient than the hateful ideology that
led to these attacks
- South African President Thabo Mbeki also expressed
his "outrage" and condemnation.
- New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters slammed
the bombings as "a coordinated act of cowardice."New
Zealand joins with the rest of the international community in
utterly condemning this deplorable act of terrorism," Peters
said in a statement. "No grievance can justify such a cowardly
attack. The blasts were clearly coordinated in order to cause
as many deaths and injuries as possible to innocent people."
- The Venezuelan government: which has identified
India as a key economic partner -- joined the chorus of condemnation
Wednesday, issuing "its strongest condemnation against this
cowardly attack.
-
Mumbai blasts
Bombs exploding and
gun battles between terrorists and police across Mumbay
85 died and over 200 injured
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A charred vehicle at the site of a bomb blast on
the western express highway near airport in Mumbai. Photograph:
EPA |
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