Moscow, Dec 31 (IANS) “Cowardly” terror attacks in Volgograd will not undermine the confidence that Russia could guarantee security of the upcoming Sochi Winter Olympics, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has said.
“The entire Olympic movement joins me in utterly condemning this cowardly act,” Bach said in a letter sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin Monday, referring to the twin suicide bombings in the southern city of Volgograd, reports Xinhua.
Two terror attacks in the city’s railway station and a trolley bus claimed at least 32 lives Sunday and Monday.
Calling the bombings “a despicable attack on innocent people”, Bach expressed confidence that Russia can deliver safe Winter Games despite these deadly bombings.
“Sadly, terrorism is a global disease but it must never be allowed to triumph. The Olympic Games are about bringing people from all backgrounds and beliefs together to overcome our differences in a peaceful way,” he said.
Earlier Monday, Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) chief Alexander Zhukov said no extra security measures would be adopted following the attacks because “all necessary security measures have been provided”.
The 22nd Winter Olympics are slated for Feb 7-23, next year.