    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [October 13, 2002]
    [Pages 1785-1786]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Terrorist Attack in Indonesia
    October 13, 2002

        Terrorists have once again targeted innocents this time in
    Indonesia. At least 182 innocent men and women have been murdered and
    hundreds injured in a cowardly act designed to create terror and chaos.
        On behalf of the people of the United States, I condemn this heinous
    act. I offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of all the murder
    victims from numerous countries and our wish for the swift and complete
    recovery of those injured in this attack.
        I offer our sympathy to our friends, the people of Indonesia, for
    this terrible tragedy. Our prayers are also with our friends and allies,
    the people of Australia, who are suffering a grievous personal and
    national loss.

    [[Page 1786]]

        The world must confront this global menace terrorism. We must
    together challenge and defeat the idea that the wanton killing of
    innocents advances any cause or supports any aspirations. And we must
    call this despicable act by its rightful name murder.
        The United States has offered its assistance to the government of
    Indonesia to help bring these murderers to justice.

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this statement.