EU condemns terrorist attacks in India 14/05/2008 00:00

The European Union expresses condolences to families of victims who were killed in eight bombs that went off on Tuesday night.

14 May 2008

BRUSSELS - The European Union on Wednesday strongly condemned the Jaipur bomb attacks in India, saying: "No cause, no grievance can justify acts of terrorism".

In a message issued on behalf of all 27 member states by the Slovenian presidency of the EU, the bloc's governments offered their "deepest condolences to the families of the victims".

"These attacks clearly demonstrate that terrorism is a serious threat to all states and to all peoples," it added.

Eight bombs went off within about 20 minutes Tuesday night in an area with a two-kilometre radius in the walled quarter of the Rajasthan state capital Jaipur, killing more than 60 people. A ninth bomb was defused.

Most of the blasts took place near some of the city's most popular spots and at the time of the evening when people were out shopping, returning home from work or on their way to the temples.

Officials have said the blasts were clearly aimed at fomenting violence between Hindus and Muslims and have imposed a curfew in the old city as a precautionary measure.

[dpa / Expatica]