John Kerry, Iraq president condemn Brussels terrorist attacks

Washington, March 23: US Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday condemned terrorist attacks in Belgium's capital of Brussels, saying the "abhorrent" attacks only deepened the resolve to defeat terrorism.

"Our thoughts are with all those in Brussels, including the injured and the loved one of those who were killed, and with the first responders and security personnel who are working tirelessly to keep Brussels safe," Xinhua quoted Kerry as saying.

Kerry said he has talked to Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, noting that the US will stand firmly with Belgium and with all of Europe in the face of this tragedy.

"Attacks like these only deepen our share resolve to defeat terrorism around the world," Kerry said.

Meanwhile, the Iraqi government on Tuesday strongly condemned the bomb attacks in the Belgian capital of Brussels which killed at least 34 people and injured more than 100.

Iraqi President Fuad Masoum said "Iraq strongly condemns such criminal act and expresses its deep solidarity with the friendly government and people of Belgium."

Masoum also called for "the strengthening of cooperation between different countries at all levels, in a way that could halt the growth of terrorism and eliminate their hotbeds and their means of support".

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said "the increase of criminal activities for terrorist groups in European countries calls for the international community to exert more efforts to eliminate the terrorists' hotbeds and their recruitment and training centers in the areas that are under their (terrorists) control in Iraq and Syria."

At least 34 people were killed in explosions on Tuesday at Brussels airport and on a city subway train. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

IANS