Iran condemns Egypt church attack

Iran has condemned a deadly bombing outside a church in the Egyptian city of Alexandria, which killed dozens during a New Year’s Eve service.

“Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast denounced the death of innocent people during the blast and offered his condolences to the people and government of Egypt,” read a Saturday statement by the ministry.

At least 21 people were killed and 70 hurt in the attack outside the al-Qiddissin Church, in Alexandria.

About 1,000 worshippers were attending the Mass at the Church in the Sidi Bechr district of the Mediterranean port city, when as the service ended after midnight a bomb went off in the street outside.

The attack was “carried out by a suicide bomber who died among the crowd”, the country’s interior ministry said.

Eight Muslims were also among the injured, as a nearby mosque was also damaged by the explosion.

The bombing sparked fierce anger among Christians, who clashed with police and shouted slogans against the government.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Saturday said the attack bore the hallmark “of foreign hands.”

“All of Egypt is targeted. This blind terrorism does not differentiate between Copts and Muslims,” he said in a televised speech.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.