Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs on the bombings in Algiers, 11 December 2007

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., condemned the terrorist attacks which took place today in Algiers.

“I am shocked by the heavy loss of life in two terrorist bombings in Algiers today. Over sixty people have been killed and many more are feared missing. I strongly condemn these attacks, which were clearly intended to cause as many casualties as possible, with no regard for innocent civilians. It is particularly disturbing that one of the bombs was aimed at the offices of the United Nations in Algiers, which house UN agencies trying to assist the development and protect the rights of the Algerian people.

These attacks seem to be the latest and worst so far in a series this year by the organisation now called Al Qaida in North Africa, which has attempted to plunge Algeria back into the terrible internal violence from which it has so painfully emerged. The people of Algeria have rejected these terrorists, and showed their opposition in public rallies across the country in September. Ireland and its EU partners will continue to support Algeria as it attempts to move forward from the conflicts of the past.”

ENDS +++
11th December 2007
Press Office