This is a Text Only version of a webpage on the US Embassy, Ottawa, Canada Website. Please Visit http://ottawa.usembassy.gov for a full version. President Bush Condemns Terrorist Attacks In London"We will not yield to terrorists," president says
President Bush condemned the terrorist attacks in London July 7 saying, "We will not yield to these people, will not yield to the terrorists." "We will find them, we will bring them to justice, and at the same time, we will spread an ideology of hope and compassion that will overwhelm their ideology of hate," Bush said in a prepared statement from Auchterarder, Scotland, where he is attending the annual Group of Eight Summit. On the morning of July 7, four blasts in London killed at least two and injured more than 300 people, according to news reports. British officials report three blasts on the London subway and confirm an explosion tore open a double-decker bus at Russell Square in central London. According to the Associated Press, as of 2:14 p.m. local time, officials at seven hospitals report that 334 people had been wounded, including more than 120 who were treated and released. At 8:49 a.m. local time, an incident was reported to the British Transport Police on the subway line between Liverpool Street and Aldgate station. At 9:33 a.m., another incident was reported on the subway at Edgware Road and King’s Cross in North London. At 10:23 a.m., British Transport Police confirmed an explosion on a bus in Tavistock Square. Bush said he met briefly with British Prime Minister Tony Blair after learning of the attacks and offered condolences to the people of London and Britain. Blair left Scotland to return to London and to speak to the British people, Bush said. "He'll carry a message of solidarity with him," Bush said. Bush also said he has spoken with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and instructed the agency to alert state and local officials about the facts and what has taken place in London. He urged state and local governments "to be extra vigilant." For additional information, see Response to Terrorism. Following is the text of Bush's remarks: THE WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT BUSH ON THE BOMBINGS IN LONDON Gleneagles Hotel PRESIDENT BUSH: I spent some time recently with the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and had an opportunity to express our heartfelt condolences to the people of London, people who lost lives. I appreciate Prime Minister Blair's steadfast determination and his strength. He's on his way now to London here from the G8 to speak directly to the people of London. He'll carry a message of solidarity with him. 
This morning I have been in contact with our Homeland Security folks. I instructed them to be in touch with local and state officials about the facts of what took place here and in London, and to be extra vigilant, as our folks start heading to work. The contrast between what we've seen on the TV screens here, what's taken place in London and what's taking place here is incredibly vivid to me. On the one hand, we have people here who are working to alleviate poverty, to help rid the world of the pandemic of AIDS, working on ways to have a clean environment. And on the other hand, you've got people killing innocent people. And the contrast couldn't be clearer between the intentions and the hearts of those of us who care deeply about human rights and human liberty, and those who kill -- those who have got such evil in their heart that they will take the lives of innocent folks. The war on terror goes on. I was most impressed by the resolve of all the leaders in the room. Their resolve is as strong as my resolve. And that is we will not yield to these people, will not yield to the terrorists. We will find them, we will bring them to justice, and at the same time, we will spread an ideology of hope and compassion that will overwhelm their ideology of hate. Thank you very much. END 1:32 P.M. (Local) |
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