OSCE Chairman-in-Office condemns terrorist attack on London

LJUBLJANA, 7 July 2005 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, has roundly condemned today's series of bomb attacks on travellers in central London.

Expressing dismay and horror at news reports of the deaths and injuries caused by up to six bomb explosions during the morning rush-hour, Minister Rupel said that the entire community of OSCE States joined him in this condemnation.

"I am appalled and saddened to hear about these barbaric attacks", the Chairman-in-Office said. "This appears to have been a co-ordinated attempt at terrorizing innocent civilians, going about their daily lives.

"If the worst reports are confirmed, such an attack represents one of the most brutal terrorist crimes since the explosions in Madrid, a year ago. All such acts violate every human principle and are to be denounced in the strongest possible terms."

The OSCE's Chairman-in-Office also offered a message of sympathy from the Organization.

"On behalf of all 55 participating States, my deepest condolences go to the families of the victims and I can assure the United Kingdom Government of the full support of the OSCE in its efforts to combat international terrorism."