US President Barack Obama condemned the “barbaric terrorist attack” against Israeli tourists in Bulgaria on Wednesday, calling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express his sorrow over the attack and pledging to help bring the perpetrators to justice.
“These attacks against innocent civilians, including children, are completely outrageous,” the president said. “The United States will stand with our allies, and provide whatever assistance is necessary to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of this attack. As Israel has tragically once more been a target of terrorism, the United States reaffirms our unshakable commitment to Israel’s security, and our deep friendship and solidarity with the Israeli people.”
US Secretary of State HIllary Clinton also condemned the bombing, saying that she was angered to hear news of the “despicable attack on innocent people” and adding that her government’s thoughts were with the families of the victims.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney also commented on the bombing, calling it “a sobering reminder that the scourge of terrorism continues to threaten all free people.”
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird also commented on the attack on Wednesday, saying he was “deeply saddened to learn of the deadly terrorist attack.”
“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer our sincere condolences to those who lost loved ones in the deadly explosion. I wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured,” Baird said.
“Canada condemns such heinous acts without reservation and is confident that Bulgarian authorities will do all they can to ensure the perpetrators of this attack are brought to justice.”
Catherine Ashton, the high representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and vice-president of the European Commission, also issued a condemnation.
“I was appalled to hear of this afternoon’s apparent terrorist attack on Israeli tourists arriving in Bulgaria,” said. “I am deeply shocked by the scenes at Bourgas airport, where what should have been the beginning of a happy holiday ended in murder. I send my condolences to the families of all those killed. Many more have been injured. We wish them a speedy recovery. The EU utterly condemns all acts of terrorism, wherever they take place. The terrorists who planned and carried out this attack must be brought to justice.”