World reaches out to U.S.

LONDON, SEPT. 12. Nations around the world, including U.S foes Libya and Iran, condemned the terror attacks on the U.S. in which thousands of people may have died.

Iraq raised a dissenting voice, saying the U.S. deserved Tuesday's attacks in New York and Washington as the fruits ``of its crimes against humanity''. Leaders through Europe, West Asia, Africa, Asia and Latin America reacted with revulsion. Photographs of the devastation dominated front pages around the world, while millions of people sat glued to their television screens as the catastrophe unfolded. ``War on America'', was the banner headline on more than one newspaper.

The German Chancellor, Mr. Gerhard Schroeder condemned the attacks as a declaration of war on the civilised world.

Sweden put off a summit of centre-left leaders, including Mr. Schroeder and the British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair, that should have gone ahead at the weekend in Stockholm. Egypt, Israel and European leaders from Britain to Russia broke off normal business for crisis meetings. NATO Ambassadors met in emergency session in Brussels. The Chinese President, Mr. Jiang Zemin sent a message to Mr. Bush expressing sympathy.

- Reuters

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Section  : International
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