President Zardari vows to wipe out "cancer" of terrorism
President Asif Ali Zardari vowed to eliminate terrorism after the suicide attack
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Sunday, 21, Sep 2008 07:37
Pakistan's president Asif Ali Zardari has vowed to eliminate the "cancer" of terrorism after a suicide bomb killed at least 53 people in the capital city of Islamabad.
On Saturday a bomb exploded outside the Marriot hotel leaving a 20ft crater in the ground and injuring some 270 people.
Of those killed, the majority are thought to be Pakistanis. Two Vietnamese, a German and an American are also reported to have been killed. Six Britons were among the injured.
The Czech Republic's ambassador to Pakistan was also killed in the blast.
Speaking in a televised address today, Mr Zardari called on "all democratic forces" to help Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.
"Terrorism is a cancer in Pakistan, we are determined, God willing, we will rid the country of this cancer," he said.
"I promise you that such actions by these cowards will not lower our resolve."
US president George Bush said yesterday's suicide attack was "a reminder of the ongoing threat faced by Pakistan, the United States, and all those who stand against violent extremism".
He added that US would "assist Pakistan in confronting this threat and bringing the perpetrators to justice".
Rescue teams are continue to search the remains of the hotel and at least four more bodies have been retrieved today and there are fears more could be found.
Officials are still warning the building could collapse due to considerable damage caused by the blast and the fire which raged for five hours throughout the hotel.
CCTV footage has been released showing the explosives-laden lorry crash into the security barrier outside the hotel.
Shots are fired and before the lorry explodes, flames can be seen in the cabin of the vehicle, allegedly at the point when the driver committed suicide.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.