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Terrorist attack in Sanaa draws worldwide outcry

CAPITALS, May 21 (KUNA) - Governments and organizations across the globe strongly condemned the terrorist attack that targeted a military parade at Al-Sab'een Sq., downtown Sanaa, Monday morning, killing at least 96 soldiers and wounding more than 300 others.
In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu expressed outrage and shock at the despicable act of terrorism and sent condolences to the victims.
He voiced hope that the Yemeni national unity government would be able to continue its efforts to stabilize the country and restore peace at an early date.
In Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani blasted the attack as heinous and cowardly, saying it runs counter to the teachings of Islam and all humanitarian values.
"We're sure that this despicable crime will only strengthen the resolve of our brothers in Yemen to maintain national unity and fight extremist ideology and terrorism," Dr. Al-Zayani said in a press release. "The attack on the military parade on the occasion of the anniversary of the Yemeni reunification - a dear occasion to all Yemenis and their friends - is nothing but a botched attempt that aimed to strop the country's march towards stability and development," he added.
In Cairo, the Arab League's Secretary General Dr. Nabil Al-Araby said there were elements who try to impede the efforts of Arab and international efforts to help Yemen overcome the challenges of the transitional stage.
He called for scaling up the concerted efforts in order to protect the stability and security of the country and implement the GCC initiative for Yemen in collaboration with the UN Special Envoy Jamal Bin Omar.
Dr. Al-Araby is scheduled to leave for Riyadh tomorrow to take part in the ministerial meeting of the Friends of Yemen Group, due on Wednesday.
Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz sent a cable of condolences for Yemeni President Abdo Rabbu Mansour Hadi following the criminal attack that killed innocent victims.
In Washington, Assistant to the US President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan called President Hadi to convey President Barack Obama's deep condolences for "the cowardly terrorist attack," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said.
Brennan "strongly condemned the despicable violence that struck as Yemen's military forces were preparing to celebrate their country's unity on Yemen's National Day," Carney said in a statement.
"Brennan offered US assistance on the investigation into this tragic incident and said that the United States would stand by Yemen's side at this difficult time," it added.
The statement noted that President Hadi "thanked the United States for its support and vowed to continue his nation's fight against al-Qaeda so that the Yemeni people can live in a secure, stable, and prosperous environment that is free of terrorist violence." Brennan and Hadi "reaffirmed the unshakable partnership between Yemen and the United States, and President Hadi pledged not to let terrorist acts interfere with Yemen's peaceful political transition," the statement added.
In Paris, the French Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bernard Valero decried in the strongest terms the tragic attack.
He expressed condolences to the victims and their families, reaffirming France's support to Yemeni President Hadi in his efforts to combat terrorism and press ahead with the process of political transition.
In London, Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt condemned the "cowardly attack in which scores of Yemeni servicemen were killed and many more injured." "I am deeply saddened that so many have lost their lives and my thoughts are with the families of the victims," Burt said.
"This tragic event underlines the scale of the security challenge facing the Yemeni government as it seeks to introduce key reforms and work towards completing political transition.
"As co-chair of the Friends of Yemen, we remain committed to helping Yemen in its efforts to implement security reform across the country, and addressing the threat from Al-Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula," he went on.
"This violence comes the day before Yemen commemorates its National Unity Day and at a time when the country is striving to rebuild itself following significant political upheavals.
"This cowardly attack must not be allowed to stall or prevent progress towards the completion of rigorous reform. As we prepare to meet in Riyadh on Wednesday for the Friends of Yemen meeting, we are resolute in our support for President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi as he leads his nation towards a safer and more prosperous future," he added.
In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed shock at "the barbaric crime" which left scores of casualties.
He sent a cable of condolences to President Hadi over the victims of the terrorist act which has an unprecedented level of bloodiness.
Putin affirmed confidence that the terrorists will never be able to stop Yemen's political process or its democratic, social and economic transformations.
In Baghdad, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry issued a statement to denounce the terrorist bombing which targeted "the innocent sons of Yemen." "The blind attack reflects the bankruptcy of terrorists who seek desperately to hinder the country's effort to rebuild its democratic institutions and realize the people's aspirations for security and peace," according to the statement.
On behalf of the Iraqi people and government, the Foreign Ministry expresses full condolences to and solidarity with the people and government of Yemen in this catastrophe, and wishes quick recovery for those injured," it added. (end) kt.gb KUNA 220055 May 12NNNN