EU condemns senseless terrorist attacks in Madrid

Europe condemns "senseless" terrorist attacks in Madrid

The President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, has expressed outrage at the bomb attacks that occurred in Madrid yesterday.

"I must express my deep outrage and shock at this savage, bloodthirsty and totally senseless slaughter of innocent lives.

At this hour the pain and suffering of the victims, their families and loved ones are foremost in my thoughts, and my sympathy and compassion go out to them and their relatives, to all the people of Spain, who have been so cruelly and viciously targeted today, to the Spanish Government and to the King of Spain, whose dismay and grief I share.

There is absolutely no excuse for the perpetrators of this appalling act of blind hate to hide behind. It is not a political act, it is not an act of revolt or rebellion. It is a vicious attack against unarmed, defenceless people, an aberrant and revolting act that only the perverted minds of terrorists could have hatched.

It is violence for its own sake, gratuitous and pointless violence that leads nowhere, and the whole international community is -- and will continue to be -- mobilised against this inhuman, intolerable phenomenon until it is completely eradicated," said President Prodi.

European Parliament President Pat Cox described the blasts as "the worst act of terror in the history of Spain, the worst act of terror in memory in any European Union state. It is an outrageous, unjustified, and unjustifiable attack on the Spanish people and on Spanish democracy."

On behalf of the European Union, the Irish Presidency conveyed its deepest sympathies to the Spanish Government and its people.

Ireland's Foreign Minister, Brian Cowen, condemned the attacks.

"Horror and revulsion are the words that come to mind," he said.

"This morning I have spoken with Spain's Foreign Minister, Ms. Ana Palacio, to convey my sympathies and those of everyone in Ireland. My thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed in the attacks. I firmly believe that there can be no excuse, no justification for such actions."

President of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council, Michael McDowell, also denounced the atrocity.

"I condemn, in unequivocal terms, the appalling terrorist outrage in Madrid this morning. This is a vicious crime against the innocent; against ordinary people going about their daily business. It is an action perpetrated by cowards who are morally and ethically bankrupt. Violence has no place in democratic life as we know only too well from our experience in Ireland.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those killed and injured. The European Union stands in solidarity with the Spanish people at this time of great shock and terrible sadness. You are not alone."

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