13 October 2002

Bush Condemns Bombing of Nightclub District in Bali, Indonesia, October 13, 2002

(Bush October 13 statement)

President Bush condemned the October 12 bombing of a nightclub district in Bali, Indonesia as a "heinous act" of terrorism and offered U.S. assistance to Indonesia "to help bring these murderers to justice."

"The world must confront this global menace terrorism," Bush said in an October 13 statement. "We must together challenge and defeat the idea that the wanton killing of innocents advances any cause or supports any aspirations. And, we must call this despicable act by its rightful name murder."

Following is the text of Bush's statement, as released by the White House:
(begin text)

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
October 13, 2002

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

Terrorists have once again targeted innocents this time in Indonesia. At least 182 innocent men and women have been murdered and hundreds injured in a cowardly act designed to create terror and chaos.

On behalf of the people of the United States, I condemn this heinous act. I offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of all the murder victims from numerous countries and our wish for the swift and complete recovery of those injured in this attack.

I offer our sympathy to our friends, the people of Indonesia, for this terrible tragedy. Our prayers are also with our friends and allies, the people of Australia, who are suffering a grievous personal and national loss.

The world must confront this global menace terrorism. We must together challenge and defeat the idea that the wanton killing of innocents advances any cause or supports any aspirations. And, we must call this despicable act by its rightful name murder.

The United States has offered its assistance to the government of Indonesia to help bring these murderers to justice.

GEORGE W. BUSH

(end text)