Leaders from around the world — from the United States to Pakistan — are expressing outrage and offering support to Norway following the deadly attacks that shocked that nation.
U.S. President Barack Obama called Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg on Saturday to offer his condolences for the many innocent Norwegians killed and injured in what he called Friday's “senseless attacks,” and pledged whatever assistance the U.S. could provide. Earlier, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the U.S. is ready to support Norway as it seeks to bring those responsible to justice.
British Prime Minister David Cameron called the attacks “absolutely horrific,” saying the British people would stand with Norway in the difficult days ahead.
In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel called on all those who believe in freedom to unite against hatred. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle described the attack as barbaric, saying there could be no justification for such violence.
The Vatican, too, expressed its sympathy for the Norwegian people, with the papal envoy to Norway calling the attacks “simply madness.” Pope Benedict, in a statement to Norway's King Harald, said he was “profoundly saddened” by the loss of life and offered his prayers for the victims and their families.
And Pakistan — no stranger to acts of terrorism — said Saturday it “fully empathizes with the government and the people of Norway.”
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also expressed his personal condolences to Prime Minister Stoltenberg and to the families of the victims, saying the U.N. stands with the people of Norway. In a statement, the U.N. Security Council condemned in the strongest terms what it called “these heinous acts,” saying its members reaffirm that terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
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The Norwegian prime minister on Saturday thanked his fellow leaders for calling to express sympathy and to offer assistance.
Mr. Stoltenberg said world leaders “really feel that Norway does not deserve this,” calling the incidents “unreal.”
