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U.S diplomat killed in Karachi blast

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, March 2, IRNA
Pakistan-U.S diplomat
An American diplomat was also killed in the dead bomb blast in the Pakistani port city of Karachi on Thursday, which also killed three other persons, including a Pakistani paramilitary soldier.

President Bush, currently in New Delhi, confirmed the death of American citizen in the blast near the American consulate.

Bush said an American Foreign Service officer was killed in the bombing.

"We have lost at least one U.S. citizen in the bombing, a Foreign Service officer, and I send our country's deepest condolences to that person's loved ones and family," Bush said.

TV Channels reported that the security officials have now confirmed that it was a suicide attack and a suicide car bomber planned to ram into the wall of U.S consulate but a vehicle of paramilitary Rangers hit the car.

Security sources said that the suicide bomber wanted to target the U.S consulate building.

The blast took place one day before President George Bush to Pakistan and the Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said all arrangements for President Bush visit are complete and the visit will go ahead in accordance with its schedule.

Singh Governor Dr Ishrat ul Ebad described the blast as an attempt to create law and order problem ahead of President Bush visit.

Rauf Siddiqi, Home Minister of Sindh Province of which Karachi is the capital, confirmed three deaths in the blast but reports put the death toll at four.

Director General Investigation Manzur Mughal told reporters that probe is underway to know whether the blast was a suicide attack.

Reports suggest that the blast occurred in the parking lot of the five-star Marriot Hotel, destroying some 25 cars in the park and nearby areas.

Venue of the blast is part of the high security zone because of several important government and private buildings in the area including American consulate, governor and chief minister houses.

Eye witnesses said that the first blast happened in a car around 9:15 a.m followed by another blast but reports said it was a blast in a fuel tanker.

2020/235/2326/1412