Australia condemns Afghanistan, Pakistan attacks

Australia condemned Thursday as "contemptible" and "outrageous" extremist attacks against United Nations and civilian targets in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said Australia had conveyed its condolences and offers of support to the two troubled nations following a Taliban suicide strike against UN officers in Kabul and bombing in Pakistan on Wednesday.
Eight people were killed in the attack on a UN guesthouse, while 105 people died when a car bomb ripped through a crowded Peshawar marketplace, bringing down buildings. "Any attack upon the United Nations is contemptible and our support and sympathy goes to the United Nations today," Smith told parliament. "The attack on innocent women and children in Pakistan is also an outrage and we send and express our condolences to Pakistan at this difficult time for them," he added.