Minister Dermot Ahern condemns bomb attacks in Egypt

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., strongly condemned the bomb attacks in Sharm-al-Sheikh earlier this morning.

The Minister said

“I utterly condemn this cruel and senseless attack which was deliberately designed to kill and injure innocent people.  There can be no justification for terrorist atrocities of this type.

I offer my deepest sympathies to those who have been bereaved or injured as a result of these explosions.

So far, I am not aware of any Irish casualties.  However, I have instructed an official from our Embassy in Cairo to travel to Sharm-al-Sheikh to provide any consular assistance that may be required to Irish people there. 

I reiterate the Government's emphatic rejection of terrorist attacks wherever they occur.  They will achieve no purpose other than to strengthen the international community's resolve to combat terrorism.”

Note for Editors

The Department of Foreign Affairs reiterates its travel advice for Egypt as follows:

Irish citizens should be aware that there is a serious threat of terrorism in Egypt. The bomb attacks in Sharm-al-Sheikh on 23 July follow three separate incidents in Cairo in April 2005 in which tourist areas were targeted. Notwithstanding the stringent measures taken by the Egyptian authorities to safeguard visitors, Irish citizens should exercise great caution and maintain a high level of vigilance, especially in commercial establishments and public areas, including tourist sites. They should also monitor local developments, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and follow the advice of their tour operators as well as the local authorities.

ENDS+++
23 July 2005