World leaders condemn Delhi terror attack

Nations across the world today condemned the bomb blast outside the Delhi High Court, that caused heavy casualties, with the US offering every possible assistance to help bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to justice.

"On behalf of all Americans, I extend deep condolences to the government of India and the families of those harmed in this morning's attack on the New Delhi High Court.

"Terrorism is a crime that affects us all. Bombings like today's demonstrate that our shared struggle continues against those who would commit such atrocities," US Charge d’Affaires Peter Burleigh said in a statement.

He said the US remains shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against terror, and will provide whatever assistance possible to help bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.

Calling the blast a cowardly attack, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said "I was appalled to hear of the bomb blast outside the High Court in Delhi today.

"I condemn this cowardly attack and send my deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones or who have been injured.

"The UK is committed to standing together with India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and we will continue to work together to counter this threat."

"Unreservedly" condemning the bombing, a statement from the Australian prime minister's office, issued by Australian High Commission in Delhi, said, "This act of senseless violence, directed at one of the institutions of government, appears to have been planned to cause a high number of casualties among the general public".     

The Australian statement added, "We extend our sympathy and concern to the government and people of India at this time. Our thoughts are with the families of the innocent people who have been killed, and with those injured by the blast.

"The Indian government and people have Australia's full support as they continue to combat terrorism."

Israel also condemned the blast with its visiting Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov expressing shock and dismay over the vicious terror attack and conveyed his country's condolences to the bereaved families.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani expressed their "deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of the bombing, to the government and people of India."

They expressed the hope that the perpetrators of this heinous act will be brought to justice, a Foreign Ministry statement said in Islamabad.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed "profound shock and outrage" over the bomb blast, saying that any act of terrorism is "unacceptable" and "unjustifiable".

"She condemned the heinous act and stated that any act of terrorism is unacceptable, criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation," a Foreign Office statement said in Dhaka.

"She also offered prayers for the eternal peace of those who have passed away, and for the people of India to bear this shock with fortitude," it said.

In New York, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon "strongly condemned" the bomb attack, and expressed solidarity with the people and government of India, while hoping the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

"Ban Ki-moon reiterates his firm stand that there is no justification for indiscriminate violence against civilians," spokesperson for the Secretary General said in a statement.

Strongly condemning the terrorist attack, President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka said his country will continue to be an active partner in working towards combating violent extremism and terrorism in the region.

"The government and the people of Sri Lanka join me in condemning in the strongest terms, the terrorist attack this morning, outside the Delhi high court. We stand in solidarity with the government and the people of India.

"We will continue to be an active partner in working towards combating violent extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and safeguarding the security of the peace-loving people of our region," Rajapaksa said in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy also condemned the deadly bomb attack as an "odious terrorist attack" and sent his condolences to the kin of those killed.

"France is at the side of India in this painful ordeal," he said in a statement.

US State Department spokesman Victoria Nuland said that "the people of India have once again demonstrated remarkable resiliency and courage in the face of horrific violence."

Noting that terrorism is a scourge that affects all, she said the US stands with India in confronting this global challenge.

"The US government continues to monitor the situation, including the safety and security of our citizens, and stands ready to offer any and all assistance to Indian authorities," she said.