Washington, Aug 30: Condemning the car bombing in the Iraqi city of Najab which killed at least 82 people, including Iraq`s leading Shiite politician, the US has said it remains resolved to fight terrorism and build the war ravaged country. "We deplore this act of terrorism and send our condolences to the families and those who lost loved ones... We remain resolved to defeat terrorism and to continue to work to bring a better life to the Iraqi people," US President George W Bush said in a statement.
This vicious act of terrorism, said bush, was aimed at Ayatollah Mohammed Baqir al-Hakim, at one of Shi’a Islam`s holiest sites, and at the hopes of the people of Iraq for freedom, peace, and reconciliation. Extending his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and expressing his hopes for a quick recovery for the injured, Bush said that he has instructed American officials in Iraq to work closely with Iraqi security officials and the governing council to determine who committed this terrible attack and bring them to justice.
Ayatollah Hakim, Bush pointed out, had been jailed and tortured for his religious beliefs by the regime of Saddam Hussein, and he had spent many years in exile. He returned to his native land this year, after its liberation. "His murder today, along with the murder of many innocent men and women gathered for prayer, demonstrates the cruelty and desperation of the enemies of the Iraqi people," he said.
"The forces of terror must and will be defeated. The united efforts of Iraqis and the international community will succeed in achieving peace and freedom," Bush added. Bureau Report