UN and foreign governments express sorrow

UN and foreign governments express sorrow
THE NATION


Foreigners take in the scene outside Erawan Shrine where a bomb was detonated on 17 August in central Bangkok, Thailand, 18 August 2015. A bomb exploded on 17 August near a Hindu shrine in a busy business district of Bangkok that is popular with tourists

BANGKOK: -- THE WORLD expressed its sympathies to Thailand after the Monday night explosion, which killed at least 20 people including many foreigners.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was shocked to learn of the bombing. His spokesman said in a statement that Ban expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and to the people and government of Thailand.

"The secretary-general was shocked to learn of the explosion in Bangkok today close to the Erawan Shrine and the loss of life of innocent civilians." He also wished the injured a quick recovery.

France condemned the attack, saying it wished to extend its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims.

"Those who were responsible for this attack must be identified and brought to justice," Foreign Minister Alexandre Giorgini said.

In a statement, the deputy ministry spokesman said the French Embassy was monitoring the situation closely.

The US government also condemned the violence, while noting that it remained unclear who was behind the blast. The State Department warned US citizens to avoid the area.

Spokesman John Kirby said it was unclear whether any Americans were among the casualties. The US stood ready to help Thai authorities if asked.

The European Union also expressed its "sincere condolences" in a statement late on Monday. "Our thoughts are with the people of Thailand at this time of shock and grief," its statement said.

In this region, countries expressed sympathy, while also monitoring the situation to see if their citizens had been wounded.

"The Malaysian government, through its embassy in Bangkok, is working closely with Thai authorities in determining if any Malaysians were among those affected by the bombing," a Foreign Ministry statement said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/UN-and-foreign-governments-express-sorrow-30266918.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-19