His Holiness Sends Condolences to Norway Over the Violence

In a letter sent to the Prime Minister of Norway, 'H.E. Jens Stoltenberg on 23 July 2011, His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his sadness and shock on learning of the tragedy that has befallen Norway with a bomb blast in the centre of Oslo as well as the shooting incident at the youth camp, resulting in the loss of so many lives.'

His Holiness conveyed 'his prayers and condolences for those who had lost their lives and to the members of the bereaved families as well as those affected by these dastardly acts of senseless violence.'

He expressed 'his condolences and sense of solidarity with the Prime Minister and the people of Norway with whom the Tibetans have a special and close connection. However, His Holiness stated that the people of Norway are resilient and therefore was confident that they would slowly overcome this tragedy and look forward.'

According to news reports, more than seven people were killed in at least one blast in the heart of Oslo. Late Friday, Another tragedy news reported that at least 84 people were killed during a separate shooting attack on a youth camp just outside the capital.

At least seven people were killed in the bombing and scores more are known to have died at the camp for young members of the Labour Party in Utoeya, an island outside the capital. Police have charged a 32-year-old Norwegian man, Anders Behring Breivik, over both attacks.

Norway's Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said Saturday the "brutal" attack on "innocent youths" would not take away Norwegians' feeling of safety. He said safety was a pillar of society that Norwegians had taken for granted, and he stressed that the main focus is on saving the lives of those hurt in the attacks.