US, UN condemn terrorist attacks in Russia

Lalit K Jha
Washington/United Nations, Jan 25 (PTI) The United
States and the United Nations have condemned the terrorist
attack in Moscow that killed at least 35 people.
The Obama Administration also offered its assistance
in its investigations to bring these perpetrators to justice.
"I strongly condemn this outrageous act of terrorism
against the Russian people at the Domodedovo Airport. I want
to express the solidarity of the American people with the
Russian people in the aftermath of this premeditated attack
against innocent civilians," US President Barack Obama said in
a statement.
At least 35 people were killed and over 100 injured
after a suicide attack at Moscow's busiest airport yesterday.
"Michelle and I offer our deepest condolences to the
Russian people, who have suffered greatly at the hands of
terrorism. We share your sorrow and a resolve to stand with
you in our common fight against those who use terrorism for
their political goals," Obama said.
The statement was read out by his spokesman, Robert
Gates, at his daily news conference.
Obama was briefed on these events at 10:45 a.m. in
the Oval Office by John Brennan, the National Security
Advisor, Gibbs said, adding that the US has offered help to
Russia on this.
"Absolutely. As I said earlier, any assistance that
the government of Russia needs or wants, we certainly stand
ready to help them," Gibbs said.
"The Secretary-General is appalled by the deadly
bombing today at Moscow's Domodedovo Airport which has
reportedly killed dozens of people and injured more than a
hundred," said a statement attributable to the spokesperson of
the UN Secretary General.
"The Secretary-General condemns this deplorable and
unjustifiable act of violence against innocents.
He conveys his deepest condolences to the families
of the victims and his solidarity with the Government and
people of the Russian Federation," the UN statement said.
"The United States condemns terrorism and all forms
of violence against the innocent, wherever it occurs.
We stand with the victims of these crimes and we will
continue to work with the international community to combat
violent extremism that threatens peace-loving people
everywhere," the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, said.
"The United States remains ready to support the
Russian government as it seeks to bring these perpetrators to
justice," she said in a statement.
"We have offered support to the Russian Government
if need be to help bring these perpetrators to justice," the
State Department spokesman, P J Crowley said at his daily news
conference.
Congressman, Bennie G Thompson, Ranking Member,
Committee on Homeland Security, in a statement said though the
origins of this incident are not clear yet, this attack is a
reminder that commercial aviation continues to be under threat
of attack and we must be vigilant.
"I urge the Administration to work with our
international partners to bring the perpetrators of this
attack to justice," he said.