Obama, Biden visit Norwegian diplomats to express condolences for massacre

Obama, Biden visit Norwegian diplomats to express condolences for massacre

2011-07-27 09:02:05 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) – U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday visited the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Norway in Washington, D.C. to offer their condolences to the people of Norway after the deadly massacre last Friday.

Obama and Biden briefly went to the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Norway, Barry White, to sign a condolence book. "The First Lady and Dr. (Jill) Biden asked the President and Vice President to deliver their own hand-written condolence letters," a White House official said.

Accordingly, Obama wrote in the condolence book: "To the people of Norway - we are heartbroken by the tragic loss of so many people, particularly youth with the fullness of life ahead of them. No words can ease the sorrow but please know that the thoughts and prayers of all Americans are with the people of Norway, and that we will stand beside you every step of the way."

Biden wrote: "To the people of Norway - It is beyond my capacity to fully comprehend the scope of the tragedy for the families of these innocent beautiful children, and the people of Norway my - our - hearts ache for you. God bless the children."

Obama and Biden also met briefly with the Minister Counselor for Political Affairs, Berit Enge, given that the U.S. Ambassador to Norway, Barry White, is in Norway for the moment. "We're devastated by it, but we will stand with you," Obama said to the small group of Norwegian officials.

The attacks in Norway happened on Friday afternoon when 32-year-old Anders Behring Breivik is accused of setting off a car bomb in the Government quarter in Oslo, killing at least eight people and injuring 30 others. He then allegedly went on a shooting spree on Utoya island where the Labour Party's annual Workers' Youth League (AUF) youth summer camp was being held, killing 68 people and injuring 67 others.

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