Indonesia - Bombing of Australian Embassy

The United States strongly condemns this deplorable act of violence and terror. We express our deep condolences to the victims and families of this horrible crime as well as to the peoples of Indonesia and Australia.

We stand ready to assist the governments of Indonesia and Australia in any way we can.

The attack this morning, coming as both countries are engaged in democratic elections, only strengthens our resolve to fight all forms of international terrorism. We recall that the Bali bombing of two years ago inflicted a terrible tragedy on innocent Indonesians and Australians. Since that time the governments of these two nations have taken -- together and separately -- a courageous, principled, and steadfast approach to combating the scourge of terrorism. We salute what they have done and no doubt will do to bring the perpetrators of this latest horrific act to justice.

2004/958