Global outrage over attacks

World leaders condemn attacks, vowing to do more to combat “terrorism”.

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The attacks targeted several high-profile hotels and restaurants, leaving scores dead [EPA]

World leaders have condemned overnight attacks by gunmen in India’s commercial hub Mumbai in which at least 101 people have been killed and 250 others wounded.

George Bush, US president:

The president offered his condolences to the Indian people and the families of the innocent civilians killed and injured in the attacks in Mumbai, the White House said in a statement.

Barack Obama, US president-elect:

Barack Obama, the US president-elect, strongly condemns the “terrorist attacks”, Brooke Anderson, Obama’s spokeswoman on national security, said.
   
“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.”
   
Gordon Brown, British prime minister:
   
“These outrageous attacks in Mumbai will be met with a vigorous response. I have sent a message to prime minister Manmohan Singh that the UK stands solidly with his government as they respond, and to offer all necessary help. Urgent action is under way to offer every possible protection to British citizens in the region,” Brown said in a statement by his office.
   
David Miliband, British foreign minister:
   
“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,” said a statement released on the British foreign office website.
   
Simon Crean, acting Australian foreign minister:
   
“This is a cowardly act, it’s indiscriminate, it’s a terrorist act, it’s insulting democracy, and it takes as victims and casualties innocent people,” Crean told reporters.

Taro Aso, Japanese prime minister:
  
“This kind of terror attack is unforgivable, extremely mean and  malicious,” he said in a statement. “We strongly condemn it.”
   
Dmitry Medvedev, Russian president:
   
“We are concerned about the loss of life and consider that acts of terrorism of this type are harmful to the whole international order and are a challenge to humanity,” Medvedev said through a translator during a visit to Venezuela.

Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistani foreign minister:

“Terrorism is a menace threatening humanity and humanity should join hands in fighting this scourge. Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Pakistan itself has suffered because of terrorism and sacrificed much in fighting this threat.”

Amr Mussa, secretary-general of the Arab League:

“[These] criminal and terrorist acts aggravate the vicious circle of violence and counter-violence,” Egypt’s state news agency MENA quoted him as saying.

Source: News Agencies