Monday, August 23, 2010

China condemns Manila hijack

MANILA - CHINA on Tuesday strongly condemned a Philippine bus hijacking that left eight Hong Kong tourists dead as an 'atrocity', and urged Manila to ensure Chinese citizens are safe.

The Chinese embassy said: 'The Chinese government strongly condemns the atrocity by the hostage-taker, expresses grave condolences to the victimised Hong Kong compatriots and conveys profound sympathy to the bereaved families.'

'The Chinese side has urged the Philippine side to take concrete measures to ensure the safety and security of the Chinese citizens in the Philippines,' it said in a statement.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino said early on Tuesday that he has sent an apology to Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang for what had happened, adding that he has ordered the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs to extend all possible assistance to the victims.

The president made the remarks at a press conference after meeting with police officials and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, reported Xinhua news agency.

Philippine hostage crisis ended here on Monday night with eight hostages were killed, seven injured, one of whom is in critical conditions, Philippine government officials said. -- AFP

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