TRAGIC JOURNEY
TRAGIC JOURNEY
By Martin Anderson
Spanish politician hits out at bombers
THE SPANISH deputy prime minister and relatives of those injured in Omagh arrived at RAF Aldergrove yesterday on three special
flights.
Francisco Alvarez-Cascos, the deputy prime minister, spoke of his desire to be with the Spanish victims and their families and show solidarity with the people of Northern Ireland.
Through the translation of London's Spanish ambassador, Alberto Aza, he said: "Terrorism is a crime against human kind and against
human rights.
"Any citizen who is engaged with peace and democracy must condemn all acts of this kind.
"Terrorist activities have similarities all across the world. Firstly, they are carried out by fanatical, mad people.
"The acts are savage and cowardly, again common elements in terrorism around the world."
Mr Alvarez-Cascos said he had flown with relatives from Spain to try and assist them in any way and, depending on medical advice,
ensure those injured are flown back to Spain as quickly as possible.
"My first reaction was not of political rhetoric but just that the government had to be close to its people who have suffered these terrorist attacks," he said.
"Our personal presence here is a real expression of our solidarity and puts our words into actions. We also wanted to express our solidarity with the whole community who have suffered in this attack.
"My purpose is just to be with the families, meet them, and be with them in the hospitals. I would also like to be at Omagh to express solidarity with the people of the town."
Three of the Spanish victims, including two children, are in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. The two children are critical in intensive care. Another Spanish victim is in Belfast City Hospital.
By Martin Anderson
Spanish politician hits out at bombers
THE SPANISH deputy prime minister and relatives of those injured in Omagh arrived at RAF Aldergrove yesterday on three special
flights.
Francisco Alvarez-Cascos, the deputy prime minister, spoke of his desire to be with the Spanish victims and their families and show solidarity with the people of Northern Ireland.
Through the translation of London's Spanish ambassador, Alberto Aza, he said: "Terrorism is a crime against human kind and against
human rights.
"Any citizen who is engaged with peace and democracy must condemn all acts of this kind.
"Terrorist activities have similarities all across the world. Firstly, they are carried out by fanatical, mad people.
"The acts are savage and cowardly, again common elements in terrorism around the world."
Mr Alvarez-Cascos said he had flown with relatives from Spain to try and assist them in any way and, depending on medical advice,
ensure those injured are flown back to Spain as quickly as possible.
"My first reaction was not of political rhetoric but just that the government had to be close to its people who have suffered these terrorist attacks," he said.
"Our personal presence here is a real expression of our solidarity and puts our words into actions. We also wanted to express our solidarity with the whole community who have suffered in this attack.
"My purpose is just to be with the families, meet them, and be with them in the hospitals. I would also like to be at Omagh to express solidarity with the people of the town."
Three of the Spanish victims, including two children, are in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. The two children are critical in intensive care. Another Spanish victim is in Belfast City Hospital.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0678
Published Date: 18-Aug-98
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