Clinton: Jakarta Bombings a Reminder Terror Is Real

by albertacowpoke | July 17, 2009 at 03:24 am

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A terrorist group is to blame for the bomb blasts that ripped through two luxury hotels, the JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton, in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, Friday morning and left at least eight dead and 50 wounded, says President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

While on a refuelling stop in Prague, U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has condemned the hotel bombing in Jakarta and is prepared to provide assistance, if requested, to the Indonesian government.

"Our sympathies go out to the victims of these tragic attacks, their families, and the people and government of Indonesia," Clinton said. The Indonesian bombings are a reminder that Terror is real, she said.

Secretary of State Clinton is starting an eight day trip to India and Thailand.

Read Tina Kells account Jakarta Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Hotels Rocked by Explosions

PRAGUE -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton condemned Friday's hotel bombing in Jakarta and said the United States is prepared to provide assistance if requested by the Indonesian government.

"Our sympathies go out to the victims of these tragic attacks, their families, and the people and government of Indonesia," Clinton said during a refueling stop in Prague. She's starting a weeklong foreign trip to India and Thailand.

Authorities believe the explosions that ripped through two luxury hotels in Jakarta, ending a four-year lull in terror attacks in the world's most populous Muslim nation, were the work of bombers who had been staying in the hotels as guests. Eight people were killed and at least 50 others were injured. At least 18 foreigners were among the dead and wounded.