ABU DHABI 4 April 2017: President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent condolence cables to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the victims of the terrorist blasts at St. Petersburg metro.
President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa offered his heartfelt condolences to the Russian President, wishing quick recovery to the injured. He also stressed the UAE’s unwavering stance towards renouncing violence and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
He further called for strengthening international cooperation and concerted efforts to eradicate this serious scourge.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also dispatched similar condolences to the Russian President.
UAE condemns terrorist bombings at St. Petersburg subway
The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the terrorist bombings that struck a subway train in St. Petersburg, Russia, claiming tens of innocent causalities.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, expressed the UAE’s full solidarity with Russia in its efforts to eliminate terrorist and criminal elements that seek to undermine security and stability, spread havoc and target innocent people.
“Crimes targeting civilians, and the populated areas in which they live, can never be taken for granted.” he stated.
These cowardly terrorist acts require close international co-operation to put an end to this criminal phenomenon, he stressed.
Sheikh Abdullah further extended sincere condolences and sympathies to the leadership and government of Russia and the families of the victims, and wished a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
14 Killed?
According to Russian authorities, quoted by Reuters, at least 10 people have died from the blasts. Other sources said by 11pm Dubai time the death toll had reached 14.
Maurice Schleepen on Twitter said: “After the explosion the driver of the Metro in st #Petersburg did NOT stop, reached the station, helped prevent a large number of victims.
Apparently, it was a nail bomb. Another device was found at another station, prompting closure of all metro stations in St. Petersburg.
ALSO READ: Bomb blasts at St. Petersburg metro stations; at least 10 dead
– By Angel Chan