Madrid Bombing Anniversary

Madrid Bombing Anniversary Secretary Condoleezza Rice Mexico City, Mexico March 10, 2005

I wish to convey my most heartfelt sympathies and those of the American people as Spain commemorates the loss and devastation of so many lives in the terrorist attacks of March 11, 2004. Both the American and Spanish people have felt the pain and grief inflicted by terrorists, whose cowardly and heinous acts are anathema to all those who embrace freedom and tolerance.

The United States and Spain share not only the grief inflicted by a common enemy, but the resolve to combat and defeat the scourge of terrorism on all fronts, at home and abroad. Our resolve is a reflection of all that we share--our love of liberty, our abiding respect for human dignity, our friendship.

I pray that international solidarity in confronting terrorism may bring a measure of solace to the survivors and families of those who perished in Madrid, just as the support of the Spanish people gave comfort and courage to the victims of September 11, 2001.

The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with Spain on this solemn anniversary.

2005/T3-1 Released on March 10, 2005