The deadly attacks in Norway have drawn strong condemnation from around the world. The twin attacks hit the northern European country on Friday. A bomb exploded in downtown Oslo near government offices, killing 7 people. Hours later, a gunman dressed in police uniform opened fire at a youth camp of Norway’s ruling political party on Utoeya, an island south of Oslo, killing 84 people.
The attack in Oslo and the island of Utoeya has stirred up public anger.
During a White house meeting between President Obama and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, Mr. Obama expressed his personal condolences and sympathies for the victims in Norway.
Barack Obama, US President said “We don’t have information yet but I wanted to personally extend my condolences to the people of Norway and its a reminder that the entire international community has a stake in preventing this type of terror from occurring and that we have to work cooperatively together both on intelligence and in terms of prevention of these kinds of horrible attacks.”
In Australia, Prime Minister Julia Gillard said her government condemns the brutal and shocking acts of evil in Norway.
Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia said “Australian and Norway are countries which are good friends. I’ve taken steps to convey to the Prime Minister of Norway the sadness and concern of Australians as we watch these events unfold. The family and a friends of those who have been killed or injured have our most sincere sympathies and of course Australia stands by prepared to help in any way that it can.”
Meanwhile in Asia, Foreign Ministers attending the ASEAN Regional Forum in Bali, Indonesia, also expressed sympathy for the victims.
Marty Natalegawa, Indonesian Foreign Minister said “I think all of us are shocked and dismayed by what has happened and I am sure all of us would want to express our deepest condolences and sympathy to the people and government of Norway, and express our confidence that the government and people of Norway will be able to overcome this common vice, common challenge that we all face.”
The United Nations, along with governments around the world have voiced shock over the blast. Those who’ve already issued their condemnation include China, Pakistan, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates.