Foreign Minister Jan Petersen reacted with abhorrence and outrage to news of the suicide bombing near Haifa, Israel, on Wednesday. According to the latest reports, 16 people were killed and 37 injured. Foreign Minister Petersen has sent his condolences to Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres.

"I strongly condemn this terrorist attack. First and foremost, my thoughts and sympathy go to injured and to the bereaved families. There is no excuse for such an outrageous act. Those responsible are playing a brutal, cynical and totally irresponsible game in which the losers are all the people of the Middle East, who so sorely need hope for a future in peace. All those responsible for such operations must be called to account for their actions. Responsibility for ensuring that they are brought to justice, and that such violent acts are prevented in the future, lies not least with Palestinian Authority," said Foreign Minister Petersen.