1. Japan is shocked and saddened by the bomb attacks which caused numerous deaths and injuries on February 21, in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. Japan mourns the victims and expresses its condolences to the bereaved families. Japan also offers its sympathy to those wounded in the attacks.

2. Japan firmly condemns such act which targets innocent people as inexcusable.

3. Japan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed for whatever purposes, and reiterates that no act of terrorism can be justified. Japan intends to continue cooperating with the international community to combat terrorism.

(End)

* The foregoing is a provisional translation. The date indicated above denotes the date of issue of the original press release in Japanese.

* For inquiries, please contact the Southwest Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Tel. 5501-8000 (Ext. 5154).