Gleneagles, 7 July 2005

Statement by Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the London bombings

I was devastated by the atrocious bombings that struck London today. These vicious acts have cut us all to the core, for they are an attack on humanity itself. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost loved ones, all those who were hurt, all those who were traumatized by this tragedy. I grieve with all Londoners at the wounds that have been inflicted on this wonderful city -- this city that is home to people from so many countries and cultures -- and express my solidarity with the Government and people of the United Kingdom in this hour of trial.

Today, the world stands shoulder to shoulder with the British people, who with others around the world had mobilized so powerfully against poverty and climate change ahead of the Group of Eight summit, and who, I am sure, will confront this ordeal with the same spirit, courage and determination. I look to the Group of Eight, in their deliberations over the next few days, to show themselves equal to that resolve. Let us not allow the violence perpetrated by a few to deflect us from addressing the aspirations of billions of our fellow men and women who are demanding change.