UNSC, World leaders condemn terror strike in Mumbai

UNITED nATIONS: UN Security Council and world leaders have strongly condemned the Mumbai serial blasts that killed 21 people and injured 141, saying terror acts are "criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation."

UN chief Ban Ki-moon joined countries across the world including the US, Russia, the UK, France, the UAE and Pakistan in condemning the terror strike in India's commercial hub.

"The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation," said a statement read out by Peter Wittig, Germany's ambassador to the UN and current Council president.

The council expressed its deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the victims of these "heinous acts" and to their families, and to the people and Government of India.

A statement from the office of the UN chief said: "The Secretary-General (Ban) condemns the attacks that have killed and injured many in Mumbai.

"No cause or grievance can justify indiscriminate violence against civilians. The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the Government and people of India, and extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims," it added.

In Washington, US President Barack Obama condemned as "outrageous" the attacks in Mumbai and offered support to bring the perpetrators of the "terrible crimes to justice".

"I strongly condemn the outrageous attacks in Mumbai," Obama said in a statement.