Blair: Stand firm against terror after Egypt attacks

PM sends condolences after attacks on Egyptian resort of Dahab

Tuesday, 25, Apr 2006 12:00

Tony Blair today insisted the world must be "firm, united and resolved" against terrorism in the wake of a triple bombing in Egypt last night.

So far 23 people have been confirmed dead and dozens more injured, among them two Britons, in the attacks on the Red Sea resort of Dahab.

Egyptian police have arrested ten people but it is not yet known whether the bombs were remotely detonated or the result of suicide bombers.

It is the third time the Sinai peninsula has been targeted since 2004 – last July, 67 people died in the up-market resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where Mr Blair and his family have stayed, while another 34 died in an October 2004 attack on the Hilton hotel in Taba.

"Firstly, I would like to send our sympathy and condolences to the families of those who have been killed and those that have been injured including the British people," the prime minister said this morning.

"Secondly, [I want] to express our total support and solidarity to the Egyptian authorities in handling this terrorist outrage."

He added: "What is important is that the whole world stands united against the terrorists that want to kill innocent people and prevent countries like Egypt making the progress they and their peoples want to see.

"As we watch the news from different parts of the world, we see these types of terrorist organisations trying to disrupt the progress towards democracy…we've got to be firm, united and resolved in our determination to stop them."

Foreign secretary Jack Straw also condemned the attacks, which took place on an Egyptian public holiday, saying: "Once again terrorists have demonstrated their callous disregard for human life."

He added: "The people of Egypt have shown great resolve in the face of previous terrorist attacks, and we stand side by side with them once again in offering our full support and deepest sympathies."