Foreign Minister Jan Petersen was shocked by the news of the suicide attack in Jerusalem this morning. According to the latest reports 17 people were killed and 40 injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up inside a bus. Most of the passengers were teenagers on their way to school. The Foreign Minister has conveyed his condolences to his Israeli colleague, Shimon Peres.

"I strongly condemn this terrorist act. Our thoughts are of course with the victims and their families, but I have emphasized to Foreign Minister Peres that our sympathy extends to all the people of Israel. The fact that most of the victims were very young naturally makes the act even more inexcusable. Those behind such attacks demonstrate unbelievable cynicism and brutality," said the Foreign Minister.

"Acts like this must not go unpunished. Everyone must do their best to see that the perpetrators are brought to justice for their crimes. The Palestinian Authority has a particular responsibility in this respect. It must also show that it is doing enough to prevent the repetition of such tragedies as we saw today. I urgently call on the Palestinian Authority to take responsibility," said Foreign Minister Petersen.