WASHINGTON, Feb 19: The United States on Monday denounced the bombing of a passenger train from India to Pakistan that killed at least 67 people, calling it an effort to “undermine” peace between the two rivals.
“We express our deepest sorrow for this tragedy and extend condolences to the families of the victims,” said White House spokesman David Almacy.
“We appreciate the leadership of Indian Prime Minister (Manmohan) Singh and Pakistani President (Pervez) Musharraf, and condemn those who seek to undermine the progress in relations between the two countries,” he said.
British government described the incident as “utterly shameful.” Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells said in a statement: “I was shocked to learn of the devastating loss of life on the Samjhauta Express.”
“I extend my condolences to the family and friends of those killed and injured and condemn this utterly shameful act.”
“Such acts can only strengthen the resolve of all well-intentioned people to defeat terror and achieve peace,” a statement from the embassy in New Delhi said.
In its role as president of the European Union, Germany condemned the bombing and called on “all parties in India and Pakistan to oppose further acts of violence”.
EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said she was “deeply shocked” by the explosions, but said the incident should not derail talks between the South Asian nuclear rivals.
“The EU condemns any form of terrorism. However, the composite dialogue reconciliation process between India and Pakistan should continue with all efforts.”
Irish Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern said that since its resumption in 2004, “the New Delhi-Lahore train service has been a symbol of the continuing improvement in relations between India and Pakistan”.
Ahern described the attack as “awful” and said it should not be “allowed to undermine this important process.”
Elsewhere, Japan condemned the firebombing as “an extremely vicious and unforgivable act.”
Spain, where the alleged authors of the March 2004 Madrid train bombings are currently on trial, described Monday's bombing as “a very serious and brutal terrorist attack”.
The Spanish government “condemns terrorism in all its forms and expresses its support to the Indian and Pakistani people and authorities in their fight against this plague,” a Spanish foreign ministry statement said.
BANGLADESH: The head of Bangladesh's new interim government condemned as “heinous” blasts aboard a Pakistan-bound train in India that left at least 66 people dead, a report said on Monday.
“Bangladesh stands against all forms of terrorism and condemns such heinous acts,” the country's caretaker chief Fakhruddin Ahmed was quoted as saying by the private UNB agency during a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee.—AFP