World leaders condemn 'disgraceful' suicide bombing in Pak

Islamabad, Sept 21 (PTI) World leaders Sunday condemned the "inhuman" and "disgraceful" suicide attack on the five-star Marriott hotel here that killed 60 people and vowed to assist Pakistan in fighting violent extremism.

"I strongly condemn the terrorist bombing in Islamabad that targeted and killed many innocents, including at least one American. I extend condolences to the families of all those killed in this brutal attack," US President George Bush said in a message released by the White House.

This attack is a reminder of ongoing threat faced by
U.S., Pakistan and all those who stand against violent
extremism, he said, adding Washington will assist Islamabad
"in confronting this threat and bringing the perpetrators to
justice."

In New York, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon termed
the attack "heinous" and said "no cause can justify the
indiscriminate targeting of civilians."

Strongly condemning the "inhuman" terror attack, Russian
President Dmitry Medvedev expressed his country's readiness to
deepen cooperation with Pakistan in combating terrorism in
bilateral and multilateral international format.

"I am confident that the perpetrators of this barbaric
act will be found and face a just punishment," Medvedev wrote
in his message to his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari.

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband said the UK
would continue to stand "shoulder-to-shoulder with the
government of Pakistan against the violent extremists who have
no answers but only offer death and mayhem."

In a statement in London, he said the bombing is "yet
another shocking and disgraceful attack without justification.
Such an indiscriminate and brutal act of terror deserves the
condemnation of the entire international community."

"This horrific attack reinforces our shared determination
to tackle violent extremism."

In a statement in Kabul, Afghan President Hamid Karzai
condemned the suicide bombing in the Pakistani capital and
sought a "serious and honest struggle" against terrorism.


"As long as this evil phenomenon (terrorism) is active in
the region, terror, horror and explosions will continue," he
said.

Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith condemned the
"cowardly" bombing and said "this vicious attack ... is
another reminder of the grave terrorist threat which is
threatening democracy and security in Pakistan."

"This threat cannot be allowed to succeed," he said in a
statement, adding Canberra was "considering how it can expand
its own efforts to assist Pakistan in concrete ways in its
fight against terrorism."

The UAE Foreign Ministry said the country "vehemently
condemns this foul crime perpetrated by terrorists" and
expressed "solidarity with the Pakistani government in
battling such acts of terror."

It called on the Pakistani people to "stand behind the
government in its efforts to combat terrorism and establish
stability in the country." PTI Team