There has been widespread international condemnation of the bomb attacks in Madrid. The following are a selection of comments:
Pope John Paul II:
"The Holy Father reiterates his firm and absolute disapproval of such actions that offend God, violate the fundamental right to life and undermine peaceful coexistence," said the message sent from the Vatican to Spanish Church authorities.
Mr Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission:
"It is not a political act. It is not an act of revolt or rebellion. It is a vicious attack against unarmed defenceless people, an abhorrent and revolting act that only the perverted minds of terrorists could have hatched. It is violence for its own sake, gratuitous and pointless violence that leads nowhere. The whole international community is and will continue to be mobilised against this inhuman, intolerable phenomenon until it is completely eradicated."
Mr Jacques Chirac, French President:
"These irresponsible acts, which cannot have any justification whatsoever, are to be fully condemned...In these appalling circumstances, I want to offer you the most sincere condolences, both in my name and in that of the French people."
Mr Jean Pierre Raffarin, French Prime Minister:
"You can count on the French government pursuing with you, without fail or hesitation, the fight against terrorism," he said in a message to Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar.
Mr Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, Italian President:
"Madrid's tragedy reminds us of the need that ever more cohesive action by the European Union and the international community must achieve efficient and swift results in uprooting terrorism and see that the reasons of dialogue and solidarity prevail."
Mr Vladimir Putin, Russian President:
"An end must be put to this. As never before, it is vital to unite forces of the entire world community against terror."
Mr Tony Blair, British Prime Minister:
"The terrible attack underlines the threat that we all continue to face from
terrorism in many countries and why we all must work together internationally to
safeguard our peoples against such attacks and defeat terrorism."
Mr Jack Straw, British Foreign Secretary:
"These atrocities are a disgusting assault on the very principle of European democracy...We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Spanish people and government in their fight against this kind of terrorism."
Mr Joschka Fischer, German Foreign Minister:
"We were horrified by the news of the bomb attack in Madrid this morning. This detestable act of terror that claimed so many victims fills us with deep sorrow and outrage."
Mr Per Stig Moeller, Danish Foreign Minister:
The Danish government "expressed its deepest sympathy to the victims, their families and to the people of Spain," said Mr Moeller, who added "his condemnation of such acts of terror."
Mr Bertrand Ramcharan, UN High Commissioner For Human Rights:
The blasts were "monstrous and unconscionable", he said. "The best way to respond to their attacks is to bring them to justice within the human rights standards that help bind our societies together and that they constantly assail."
Mr Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, NATO Secretary General:
"On behalf of the alliance, I condemn in the strongest possible terms this mindless act of cruelty and barbarism."