World Condemns Boston Marathon Bombings

Lizzie Lee, 56, of Lynwood, Wash., who was participating in her first Boston Marathon and 11th overall, holds a candle and a flower at Boston Common during a vigil for the victims of the Boston Marathon explosions, Tuesday, April 16, 2013. <AP Photo/Julio Cortez>

Leaders from around the world including countries wracked by violence targeting civilians in Asia are condemning the twin bombings at the Boston Marathon, which killed three people and wounded more than 170 others.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned what it called the “terrorist attacks,” saying the government and Pakistani people are “deeply shocked and saddened” by the “despicable act.”

Pakistan has been battling a Taliban insurgency since 2007, and as a result has seen many bombings in public places, attacks that have claimed thousands of civilians’ lives. he Pakistani Taliban, which has in the past claimed responsibility for attempted attacks in the United States, denied having any role in the Boston bombings.

In neighboring Afghanistan where the Taliban is blamed for most of the Afghan war civilian casualties, President Hamid Karzai strongly denounced the Boston attack and offered condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims.

In India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh responded by expressing his “solidarity with the American people in the struggle against terrorism.” In 2008, India’s commercial capital Mumbai was under siege for days as heavily armed militants launched coordinated gun and bombing attacks across the city.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon lamented the “senseless violence,” saying the incident was even more appalling because it took place at an event known “for bringing people together from around the world in a spirit of sportsmanship and harmony.”

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation strongly condemned what it called the “cowardly attacks.” In a statement, the OIC said it has fought against terrorism in all its forms, and offered its condolences, prayers and support to the people of Boston.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud also spoke out against the attack on the innocent athletes and their supporters, calling the bombing “the most depraved and vicious act of cowardice.” At the same time, his country’s Islamist militant group al-Shabab mocked online those injured and killed.

Meanwhile from the Vatican, Pope Francis “deeply grieved” the news of the attacks and prayed that all Bostonians “will be united in a resolve not to be overcome by evil, but to combat evil with good.”

European Union President Herman Van Rompuy condemned what he called the “appalling attacks” and expressed confidence that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen also expressed “deep shock” at the attack and offered condolences to those affected. In a statement, he said his thoughts are with the people of Boston and all of the United States.

Canada’s prime minister also joined the unanimous condemnation of the Boston Marathon bombings, as Public Safety Minister Vic Toews pledged Canada’s support to American authorities seeking to bring those responsible to justice.

Harper called the attacks “deeply troubling” as he arrived in London in advance of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher’s funeral, saying Canada stands ready to offer whatever assistance it can provide to the U.S. His remarks echoed his initial reaction when he said “we condemn categorically this kind of violent attack upon innocent people” and expressed Canada’s solidarity with Americans.

Toews said authorities were at a “heightened state of vigilance, especially in respect of border crossings,” but would not provide specifics on what additional precautions Canadian authorities might be taking in consultation with U.S. officials.

“At this time, I don’t think there is a need for Canadians to worry,” Toews told reporters Tuesday after expressing his own condolences for the victims. <Compiled from news agencies>