President Hu Jintao sent condolences on Wednesday to his Algerian counterpart Abdelaziz Bouteflika over the twin car bombs in Algiers that killed at least 26 people, including 11 UN staff, on Tuesday.

 

In his message, Hu expressed condolences on behalf of the Chinese government and people to Algerians and the victims of the deadly attacks.

 

"China strongly condemns terrorist acts and is strictly opposed to terrorism in any form," said Hu. He said China will further enhance international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and safeguarding peace and security of the region and the world as a whole.

 

After Tuesday's blasts, during which seven Chinese workers were injured and one is still missing, President Hu and Premier Wen Jiabao urged Chinese organizations and companies in Algeria to beef up security measures.

 

Two car bombs, one targeting the offices of the UNHCR and the other exploding near the Algerian Supreme Court building, killed at least 26 people and left nearly 200 others injured, according to an official tally. An Algerian Health Ministry source had previously said 67 people were killed.

 

Eleven U.N. employees are believed to be among those killed.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 13, 2007)