US condemns in 'Strongest terms' slaying of Nepali hostages
AFP, Washington
The United States condemned "in the strongest terms" the killing of 12 Nepalese by their abductors in Iraq, saying the murders showed the contempt armed groups in Iraq had for their own people. "The United States condemns in the strongest terms the murder of Nepalese hostages in Iraq," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said in a statement. "This latest murder of civilians engaged in helping with Iraq's reconstruction by a militant group demonstrates the contempt these armed groups have for the Iraqi people," he added. US Secretary of State Colin Powell "spoke ... with Prime Minister Deuba to offer our condolences to the government of Nepal, the people of Nepal and the families of the victims," Boucher said. "The United States is committed to ensuring the stability of Iraq, and will continue to work closely with the Iraqi government to end terrorist violence, and bring the perpetrators to justice," the spokesman concluded.
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A Nepalese riot policeman looks on as Muslim men gather together charred remains of the holy Quran outside a damaged mosque in Kathmandu yesterday. PHOTO: AFP |
