Re: Samjhota express blasts unfolded
^agreed.
UN chief condemns train blasts
UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the terrorist bombing of the Samjhota Express and called for bringing the culprits to justice.
"This heinous crime cannot be justified by any cause and its perpetrators should be brought to justice," a spokesperson for Ban said in a statement on Monday.
Strongly condemning the "brutal" blasts, the statement conveyed the secretary-general's condolences to the families of the victims and the governments of India and Pakistan.
"The secretary-general expresses his satisfaction that the leaders of India and Pakistan have reaffirmed their determination to continue on the path of dialogue," the spokesman said, adding that Ban "is also encouraged by the strong reaction among the various communities in the subcontinent and their common resolve to thwart the motives of the terrorists”.
Meanwhile, France strongly condemned the attack on the Samjotha Express and welcomed statements by Pakistan and India that the incident would not undermine the ongoing peace efforts.
In a statement released on Tuesday, French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said, "I utterly condemn the attack against the Samjhota express linking New Delhi and Lahore. I convey my sincere condolences to the bereaved families and my deep sympathy to the Indian and Pakistani authorities.
"France stands alongside India and Pakistan in their fight against terrorism. I pay tribute to the statements that this act of violence will not undermine the efforts which India and Pakistan have made to overcome their disputes and to pursue their goal to draw closer together," the statement said.
Also on Tuesday, Sri Lanka condemned as an "abominable act of terrorism" the firebombing of the Samjhota Express.