JEDDAH, 23 April 2004 — Condemnation of Wednesday’s bomb-blast and sympathy for the victims and their families have been pouring into the Kingdom from around the world.
US President George W. Bush called for unity in the fight against terror. After condemning the attack and expressing his nation’s condolences, he said that the world must take a decisive stand against terrorists and that countries of the world had to “unite to counter the terrorist threat.” He commended Saudi efforts in tracking down terrorists.
French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier sent a message to Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal expressing his “indignation and feelings of horror” at the outrage. He offered the condolences of the French people to the victims’ families.
“We feel a great sympathy for the relatives of the victims and share their sorrow and the national sorrow of the Saudi people,” Russian Ambassador Andrei Baklanov said.
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said: “I was deeply shocked and grieved to hear of the tragic deaths in the wicked car bomb attack in Riyadh. On behalf of Her Majesty’s Government I send my profound sympathies to the families and colleagues of the victims, and to the Government of Saudi Arabia.”
The Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini also strongly condemned the attack.
In Jeddah, Greek Consul General George Dogoritis expressed outrage and horror at the attack. “We have a great feeling of concern for the victims and the families,” he said. “We personally and nationally offer our deepest sympathies to them.”
