DUSHANBE, September 22, 2008, Asia-Plus — President Emomali Rahmon today morning sent a telegram of condolences to his Pakistani counterpart, President Asif Ali Zardari, over a Saturdays terrorist attack in Islamabad that left many killed and injured, according to presidential press service.
In his message, Rahmon, in particular, noted, “This shocking crime proves once again that international community should combine efforts to combat international terrorism.”
The Tajik head of state also asked to convey a word of support and deep sympathy to those who lost their relatives and friends in the terrorist attack.
A truck laden with 600kg of high-grade explosives rammed the Marriott Hotel security gate in Islamabad on Saturday. The heavily-guarded hotel was attacked at about 20:00 local time. The suicide bomb killed 53 people and left 266 people with injuries.
Although most of those killed were Pakistani, the Czech ambassador and two US defense department workers were among the dead.
According to some international media, international terrorist network al-Qaeda has taken the responsibility for the attack.
