Cowen condemns Israeli bombings

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brian Cowen, has condemned yesterday's attacks in the Middle East.

At least 16 people were killed and up to 100 injured in the double bus bombing in the Israeli city of Beersheva.

Minister Cowen today said that he deplores the attacks that serve to undermine efforts to make progress on the Roadmap to Peace.

He called on Hamas and other militant groups to desist from such attacks.