The Brazilian Government vehemently condemns the terrorist attacks in Algiers today 11 December that caused the deaths of scores of people and left a large number of injured victims.

Brazil equally laments the fact that the premises of both the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) have been targeted; both organisations have made important contributions to the efforts of both the international community and the Algerian Government and society in order to foster socio-economic development of the region.

In solidarity, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sent the following message to the Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika:

"Mr President, dear friend,

With deep consternation, having learned about the bomb attacks that caused many victims in Algiers this morning, 11 December 2007, I should like to convey to Your Excellency, and through you, to the victims and their relatives, the solidarity of the Brazilian people and Government at this moment of extreme pain.

The Brazilian Government vehemently condemns all forms of terrorism, the character of which is ignominious and which cannot be justified in any shape or form. I am certain that the Algerian people will face this ordeal yet again as they did in the past with courage and determination, consolidating the irreversible national reconciliation process.

I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to Your Excellency, assurances of my highest consideration.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
President of the Federative Republic of Brazil"

Source: Ministry of External Relations