World Leaders Share Sadness, Outrage Over Norway Deaths

Posted July 23rd, 2011 at 12:25 pm (UTC-5)
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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 has condemned the attacks and, on Saturday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton added 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 stand together 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 Norweigian people. The papal envoy to Norway said the attacks were simply “madness.”

And Pakistan – no stranger to acts of terrorism – said Saturday it “fully empathizes with the government and the people of Norway.”

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, through his spokesman, said he was shocked by the attacks and said the United Nations stands with the people of Norway “at this terrible moment.”

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Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg Saturday thanked his fellow leaders for calling to express sympathy and to offer assistance.

He said world leaders “really feel that Norway doesn't deserve this,” calling the incidents “unreal.”