Washington: US President Barack Obama and
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon led the international
community in condemning the ghastly terrorist attack in
Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, killing nine people.
Strongly condemning the terrorist attack, Obama, who
lived in Indonesia for few years during his childhood, said
these attacks make it clear that extremists remain committed
to murdering innocent men, women and children of any faith in
all countries.
"We will continue to partner with Indonesia to eliminate
the threat from these violent extremists, and we will be
unwavering in supporting a future of security and opportunity
for the Indonesian people," Obama said.
Two suspected suicide bombers set off the blasts which
ripped through the Ritz-Carlton and nearby JW Marriott hotels
in Jakarta killing nine people, including a New Zealand
national, and injuring above 40.
Extending condolences to the families of the victim, a
statement issued by a UN spokesman said, Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon recognises the steadfast efforts that the Indonesian
government has made in bringing to justice perpetrators
of past terrorist acts.
He expresses confidence that these new attacks will be
investigated with equal resolve and that those responsible
will be prosecuted, the statement said.
On her way to India, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
issued a statement while still in air, condemning the
senseless act of violence and said the US stands ready to
provide assistance if the Indonesian government requests us to
do so.
"The attacks reflect the viciousness of violent
extremists, and remind us that the threat of terrorism remains
very real. We have no higher priority than confronting this
threat along with other countries that share our commitment to
a more peaceful and prosperous future," Clinton said.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, July 18, 2009, 00:01