MOSCOW, October 6 (RIA Novosti) - The European Union on Monday condemned the suicide bombing that shocked the Chechen capital of Grozny as it prepared to celebrate the City Day.
"We condemn the attack of a suicide bomber on the City Day celebrations in Grozny. There can be no justification for such an attack against innocent lives," the EU said in a press release.
In its statement, Brussels expressed "our condolences to the families of the victims as well as to Russia's government and people" and wished "a quick recovery" to those injured.
The statement also recalled "the importance of fighting against terrorism in the common interest as expressed in the joint statement agreed at the EU-Russia Summit on January 28, 2014."
The deadly explosion occurred Sunday outside a concert hall in Grozny, in southwestern Russia. A suicide bomber detonated himself after police tried to stop and search him, killing five police officers and injuring 12 others.
Following the blast, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov offered his condolences to the families and friends of those killed in the bombing and expressed confidence that all those guilty of this crime would be punished.
