Secretary-General appalled by brutal Mumbai bombing, Srinagar Grenade attacks,

Says, ‘such acts cannot possibly be excused by any grievance’

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is appalled by the brutal and callous bombing of trains in Mumbai, which reportedly killed more than 160 people and injured nearly 500, as well as the grenade attacks in Srinagar, which killed at least eight people.  Such acts cannot possibly be excused by any grievance.

The Secretary-General believes that such acts serve only to reaffirm that terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and to increase the urgency of coordinated action by all countries to defeat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, whenever, wherever and for whatever purpose.

The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the Government and people of India, and to all who have lost loved ones in this horrific slaughter.

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For information media • not an official record