Sunday, October 30 2005 13:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan joined the international community in strongly condemning the deadly blasts in New Delhi, saying that he was 'appalled' and 'shocked' at the 'terrorist outrage' on the eve of the festival of Diwali.

The US, Britain, China, Pakistan, Canada, France, South Africa and Bangladesh were among host of countries that condemned the serial blasts in the Indian capital, terming the attack as barbaric and criminal act of terrorism.

"The (UN) Secretary General is appalled by and condemns the series of terrorist bombings which have resulted in many deaths in the Indian capital," a statement released by Annan's office said, adding he was 'shocked' as the 'terrorist outrage' occurred on the eve of Diwali.

In Washington, a senior State Department official told sources, "We condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms. It is a cowardly act of violence and we hope that the perpetrators are swiftly identified and brought to justice."

British Prime Minister Tony Blair sent a letter of condolence to his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh while his Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said the attacks were 'yet another example of terrorists' cynical and callous disregard for human life.

Chinese President Hu Jintao, currently on a tour to North Korea and Vietnam, sent a message of condolence to his Indian counterpart A P J Abdul Kalam, stressing that his Government condemns all forms of terrorism and is willing to work together with the international community, including India, to fight terrorism and safeguard world peace and stability.