Kenya voices solidarity with Algeria against attack by kidnappers

NAIROBI, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Wednesday voiced solidarity with Algeria against the attack by kidnappers on the gas facility in Amenas.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Kenya, which chairs the African Union's Peace and Security Council, does not tolerate acts of such destructive nature.

"We stand in solidarity with the government and people of Algeria and support their actions to end the siege. We express deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the victims, their families, the government of Algeria, and the governments whose nationals were victims of the attack," the foreign ministry said.

The siege at the facility began on Jan. 16 when militants stormed the gas plant and took the foreign and Algerian workers there hostage. The crisis has ended with casualties.

The ministry said Kenya has suffered similar attacks, which claimed innocent lives and continue to pose serious threats not only to human life but also to key sectors of the economy.

"The perpetrators in whatever form, organizers, sponsors, financers and those who carry out the actual attacks, must be brought to justice. In this regard, we assure the government and the people of Algeria of our cooperation," the statement said.

The hostage takers included kidnappers from Egypt, Canada, Mali, Niger, Mauritania, and Tunisia. Nearly 700 Algerian workers and more than 100 foreigners are thought to have escaped.

The East African nation said it has taken appropriate measures to secure its country and ensure the safety of all citizens and visitors within its borders.

"In our capacity as the chair of the Peace and Security Council of the AU for the month of January, we stand by the statement of the UN Security Council condemning the terrorist attack," the statement said.

Kenya also reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, adding that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, "whenever, and by whosever committed."

A statement from the kidnappers said the assault on the gas plant was launched in retaliation for French intervention in Algeria's southern neighbor Mali.

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