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21:55 GMT
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)
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KUNA 220055 May 12NNNN