The message said, in part:
“I felt pain and indignation when I heard of the terrorist attacks in Madrid on March 11 that took many lives. That senseless barbarous act has shown once again that the world community must step up its efforts against terrorism. Today, more than ever before, the civilised world must come together to fight this evil.
Please, Your Majesty, convey Russia’s most profound condolences to the friends and families of the victims. At this difficult hour, Russians, who know terrorism from personal experience, join the Spanish people in their mourning.”
The message went on:
“The terrorist attacks in and outside Madrid that took many lives shook me deeply. Terrorists have again demonstrated that they are ready to deliberately sacrifice human lives and that they will stop at nothing. This must be stopped. Today, as never before, it is imperative that the world community unite its efforts against terror. We in Russia understand your basic stand on the fight against terrorism. At this difficult time, I wish to express our support and solidarity with you and wish you strength and courage.”
In the evening, President Putin phoned Mr Aznar to personally convey to the Spanish Prime Minister his sympathies over the tragic events in the Spanish capital.