China and others condemn attempt on Musharraf’s life

BEIJING: China strongly condemned on Friday “the terrorist attacks” on Pakistan’s President Pervez Musharraf, saying it would continue working with the international community to curb extremism.

Foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said China would maintain its support for traditional partner Pakistan and expressed sympathies to those who died in Thursday’s attack, the Xinhua news agency said.

“China will continue working with the international community, including Pakistan, to strengthen anti-terrorism cooperation and to maintain regional and global peace and security,” said Liu.

Musharraf escaped the second attempt on his life in 11 days Thursday when suicide bombers rammed his motorcade with two bomb-packed cars, killing 14 people.

The attacks mirrored a similar incident on December 14 when the president’s motorcade missed a powerful explosion on a bridge by a matter of seconds, also in Rawalpindi, the headquarters of the Pakistani military.

Similarly, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on Friday condemned the latest attempt on the life of General Musharraf.

“We strongly condemn this ghastly act and feel relaxed that, thanks to Almighty Allah, you have escaped suicide attacks on your life,” she said in a message to President Musharraf.

Musharraf escaped the second attempt on his life in 11 days on Thursday when suicide bombers rammed his motorcade with two bomb-packed cars, killing 14 people and injuring another 46.

Afghanistan strongly condemned the attempted assassination of Gen Musharraf on Thursday and said the suicide attacks would only strengthen international resolve to fight terrorism.

“The Afghan government strongly condemns the latest attempt on President Pervez Musharraf’s life and expresses relief that today’s plot in Rawalpindi failed to harm the president of Pakistan,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“We are, however, sad for the loss of innocent life caused by the suicide bombings.”

“This event, much more dangerous than the first attempt earlier this month, is a reminder of the dangers that still persist in this region of the world,” the Afghan foreign ministry said. “It strengthens the resolve of all leaders and peace-loving people, who face the threat of terrorism, to continue the fight unabated.”

“It is evident that misguided fanatics and terrorists will go to any length, including suicide, which is strictly forbidden in Islam, to disrupt peace and security, and create chaotic conditions for all,” the ministry said.

Having suffered international terrorism, Afghanistan would continue to stand with the international community “in its efforts to remove this cancerous tumour,” it said. Japan has also condemned the suicide attacks on the convoy of President General Pervez Musharraf and vowed to cooperate with the international community in the war on terror.

A statement by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs soon after the attacks on December 25 said, “The Government of Japan expresses its strong indignation to the assassination attempt on General Pervez Musharraf, the president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, by suicide bombers in Rawalpindi.”

It also extended condolences to the families of those who were killed and the injured. —AFP

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