Washington: US President Barack Obama has termed the terror attack on Israeli tourists in Bulgaria as a "barbaric" act, and vowed to provide assistance to the country in "identifying and bringing to justice the perpetrators of the attack."
Obama called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday to express his condolence.
Flaying the "outrageous attack" that killed at least six people, Obama pledged to stand with Israel in this difficult time, and provide "whatever assistance is necessary to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators," the White House said.
"The United States will stand with our allies, and provide whatever assistance is necessary to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of this attack," he said.
"As Israel has tragically once more been a target of terrorism, the United States reaffirms our unshakeable commitment to Israel's security, and our deep friendship and solidarity with the Israeli people," Obama said.
In a statement, the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, said the United States stands ready to offer any assistance necessary, and will work with its partners in Bulgaria, Israel and elsewhere so that the perpetrators can be apprehended swiftly and brought to justice for this appalling crime.
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement blaming Iran for the attack, saying, "All signs point towards Iran. Over the last few months we have seen Iran's attempts to attack Israelis in Thailand, India, Georgia, Kenya, Cyprus and other countries."
In a statement, the House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, said the murder of innocent tourists is a shameful act of cowardice that should give all Americans pause. The Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said whether within Israel's borders or around the world, attacks against innocent Israeli men, women, and children are reprehensible and outrageous.
At least six persons were killed and many more wounded in an attack on a bus carrying Israelis at a Black Sea airport in Bulgaria yesterday.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, July 19, 2012, 10:22