Leaders condemns 'deplorable' Mumbai bombings

A statement by French President Nicolas Sarkozy's office described the attack as "cowardly and blind" while reaffirming its support for India in the fight against terrorism."As the city of Mumbai is again hit by a series of terrorist attacks, the president of the Republic firmly condemns the cowardly and blind violence and wants to express France's full solidarity with India's authorities in these painful hours," the statement said."More than ever France is standing by India in its fight against the scourge of terrorism," the statement added.
French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe earlier described the attacks as "barbaric" and said they evoked "horror and indignation".

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in Dubai that "the UAE condemns this terrible, appalling crime and affirms its full solidarity and standing with the Government of India in confronting these criminal acts."

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani also condemned the blasts."President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, the government and the people of Pakistan have condemned the blasts in Mumbai and expressed distress on the loss of lives and injuries," said a statement issued by Foreign Office spokesperson Tehmina Janjua in Islamabad."The President and the Prime Minister have expressed their deepest sympathies to the Indian leadership on the loss of lives, injuries and damage to property in Mumbai," Janjua said.Terror struck Mumbai on Wednesday evening when three near simultaneous blasts ripped through crowded areas in the city. At least 21 people were killed and 141 injured.

Britain on Wednesday condemned as "deplorable acts of terrorism" three simultaneous blasts in the Indian commercial capital Mumbai that killed at least 20 people and injured dozens more."I send my deepest condolences to all those who have lost relatives or been injured in the bomb blasts in Mumbai," said Foreign Secretary William Hague in a statement."These were deplorable acts of terrorism. The UK stands firmly with India in the face of such atrocities."We are committed to working with the Indian government and our allies and partners to combat the threat from terrorism in all its forms."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov joined hands with Clinton in condemning the Mumbai blasts."We condemn the people who organized this act, and we extend our condolences to India and the Government of India," Lavrov told reporters at a joint media availability with Clinton at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department