International community condemns blasts

ISLAMABAD: The terror attack on former Pakistan Premier Benazir Bhutto's homecoming procession drew sharp condemnation from the international community which said no political cause can justify murder of innocents and hoped that political forces will act to strengthen national unity.
    
United Nations Secretary General Ban-ki Moon expressed shock at the terror attack in Karachi last night and said he trusts that all political forces will act together to strengthen national unity.
    
The United States condemned the terror attack on Bhutto's convoy and said no political cause can justify the murder of innocent people.
    
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. There is no political cause that can justify the murder of innocent people," the State Department said in a statement in Washington.
    
Australian Prime Minister John Howard said al-Qaeda could have targeted Bhutto because of her support for the US "war on terror."
    
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said the blasts were horrific, "profoundly anti-woman and profoundly, anti-democratic".
    
The European Union's Portuguese presidency condemned deadly bomb blasts and urged the Pakistani authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
    
The twin blasts that killed 139 people and injured over 500 were apparently targeted at Bhutto, who escaped unhurt.

    
Condemning the Karachi blasts, Russian President Vladimir Putin described it as a "vile crime" and expressed his 'deep sorrow.'
    
"This was a vile crime and one more tragic confirmation of the need for further unity among the world community in the fight against international terrorism and extremism," he told Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in a telegram, the Kremlin press service said.
    
Japan condemned the attack and pledged to do its part in the 'fight against terrorism.'
    
"Japan will continue to fight against terrorism in cooperation with the international community," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement in Tokyo, adding it "expects that the government of Pakistan will continue to engage in building a stable and democratic state."
    
Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned the 'brutal and cowardly attack' in the 'strongest possible terms.'
    
"This proves that once again Afghanistan and Pakistan and our international friends must focus the strongest attention in the war against terrorism and this war must be fought in the right place," he said in Kabul.
    
"Terrorism is the enemy of all of us, all the religions and of mankind indeed," he said while describing Bhutto as 'courageous' who 'will not be deterred by these attacks' and "I am sure she will be our strong ally in the war against terrorism."
    
Bangladesh condemned the bombing as a 'dastardly act of cowardice.'
    
"We convey heartfelt sympathy to the families of the bereaved and pray for the early recovery of the injured," Foreign Office spokesman Nazmul Quaunine said in Dhaka.