China condemns attack on Indian embassy in Kabul

Sapporo, Japan, Jul 8 (UNI) China today condemned the suicide bombing on the Indian embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, which claimed 41 lives, including that of two Indian diplomats.

''We strongly denounce the terrorist attack on the Indian embassy. I sincerely express my heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the bombing,'' Chinese President Hu Jintao told Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when they met here on the sidelines of the G-8 summit.

Suspected Taliban bomber rammed an explosives-laden car into the heavily fortified Indian embassy in Kabul yesterday. Those killed included defence attache Brigadier R D Mehta and Counsellor V R Rao.

Mr Jintao also thanked the government and people of India for their help in relief and reconstruction in the Sichuan province of China, which witnessed a massive earthquake recently.

He acknowledged India's contribution of five million dollars of assistance for that.

UNI SAA ATI PK HT1408