London, Mar 02: The UK today condemned the attacks that killed dozens of people at Shiite Muslim shrines in Iraq, and also expressed concern over an attack on Shiite worshippers in Pakistan. "Our hearts and thoughts and prayers go out to all those people killed, and to the relatives, friends and colleagues of the dead," Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said after talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom. Prime Minister Tony Blair's official spokesman said of the Iraqi attacks that "we condemn them absolutely."

"They will only serve to strengthen the resolve of the coalition, the international community and the Iraqi Governing Council to continue on the journey to political and economic progress," he added, briefing reporters on condition of anonymity.
Bureau Report