Condolences, condemnation follow blast

'Senseless' 'barbaric' act should not stop Games

ATLANTA (CNN) -- Words of condolences and support poured into Atlanta, as officials and athletes pledged that the Olympic Games would go on, following the explosion in Centennial Park early Saturday.

President Bill Clinton the explosion an "evil act of terror" and vowed to do everything possible to track down and punish those responsible.

"We will spare no effort to find out who was responsible for this murderous act. We will track them down. We will bring them to justice, Clinton said at the White House.

Barcelona, which hosted the last Summer Olympics four years ago, sent a message of "support and affection" to Atlanta.

Acting Mayor Joan Clos said the city had sent telegrams of condolence to the Atlanta mayor, International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch of Spain and Olympic participants and volunteers.

"The telegrams also expressed the wish that the peace and harmony of the Olympic ideal would prevail over the terrorist action," Clos said.

Pope John Paul II sent his condolences to victims and relatives in a telegram to the Bishop of Atlanta.

"Upon those afflicted by this act of senseless violence and those who seek to comfort them in their distress, His Holiness invokes divine consolation and strength," the message said.

"He prays that all gathered for the Olympic games will be confirmed in their witness to the unity of the human family and in their commitment to build a world of solidarity, friendship and peace."

European leaders also sent messages of condolences. French President Jacques Chirac expressed the sympathy "and solidarity from the French people" and told U.S. President Bill Clinton an "anti-terror" summit being held in Paris next week should lead to new ways to combat terrorism.

Leaders of the Group of Seven industrial countries called for the one-day meeting of foreign ministers and interior ministers at their annual summit last month.

Russian President Boris Yelstin called the bombing "barbaric," and his security chief, Alexander Lebed also called for better worldwide cooperation.

"This tragedy will give an extra impulse to consideration of the problem of international terrorism at the... meeting."

Germany's Chancellor Helmut Kohl also sent Clinton a telegram. "I learned of the terrible bomb attack in Atlanta with deep sorrow," Kohl said. "This cowardly attack, showing a wanton disregard for human life, will provoke horror among all civilized people."

'Olympic spirit mandates we continue'

The man who worked for nine years to bring the Olympics to Atlanta, Billy Payne, said he was discouraged but determined that the Games go on. "The Olympic spirit mandates that we continue," Payne said.

"It was a sad night indeed. But the spirit here is so great, the people of Atlanta have embraced the people of the world ... we must go on in the face of adversity."

Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell conceded that the bombing had "cast a shadow" on the Games, but called Atlanta the "safest place on the globe" and said security had been heightened "at every level." (127K AIFF or WAV sound)

U.S. swimmer Janet Evans, who was being interviewed when the bomb went off behind her, said the bombing could affect athletes' performances because it might be "in the back of their minds." But she said she believed that the Olympic spirit of "peace and unity" would prevail and they could put it behind them. (572K AIFF or WAV sound)

"I feel bad for the people who were killed, and I feel bad for the people who were injured," said Charles Barkley, who is staying with other U.S. basketball "Dream Team" players at a hotel about a block from the park.

"It's something we thought about coming into the Olympics, but it's not something we thought would happen. I just feel bad for all the families involved."

Barkley fully supported the plan to move on with the games. "To let whoever did this get away with this and cancel the games, that would be absurd," he said. "Am I scared? No, I'm not scared myself.

Fans continued to come to Olympic venues Saturday, amid tightened security. A cop holding back crowds a few hours after the bombing may have summed up the mood of many in the city. "The fun's all over with. It's all serious business now." said Sgt. James Sherill of the Atlanta police department.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Related stories:

• Olympic Park Bombing - Sounds
• Olympic Park Bombing - Movies
• Olympic Park Bombing - Scenes
• 'Act of terrorism' shatters Olympic peace
• Who planted the bomb? - July 27, 1996
• Clinton pledges thorough effort to find Olympic park bomber - July 27, 1996
• Hospitals respond to emergency - July 27, 1996
• Despite explosion 'The games will go on' - July 27, 1996
• Olympic officials express sorrow at bombing - July 27, 1996
• Condolences, condemnation follow blast - July 27, 1996

Previous stories:

• Olympic security eyes home-grown terrorism - June 17, 1996
• Legacy of Munich: Atlanta mobilizes for terror-free Olympics - June 16, 1996
• In wake of Saudi bombing, Olympics officials say: 'We're ready' - June 29, 1996

Related sites:

• Centennial Olympic Park
• Official site of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games
• ACOG Press Briefing Concerning Explosion in Park
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• FBI testimony to Congress on the Olympics and terrorism
• The International Olympic Committee (IOC)

Tell us what you think! You said it...

© 1996 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.

Terms under which this service is provided to you.