Security council condemns Norway massacre

UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council condemned Saturday the ‘heinous’ massacre of at least 92 people in Norway during twin attacks on the country famed as a beacon of peace.

The 15 Council members "condemned in the strongest terms" the attacks and expressed their "deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the victims of these heinous acts and to their families and the people and government of Norway," a statement said.

"Any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed."

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also condemned the double attack, and on Saturday called Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg to "extend his personal condolences and those of the United Nations to the government of Norway and the families of the victims of the attacks," his office said.

At least 85 people died in the island massacre on Friday and seven more were killed in an earlier car bomb explosion that ripped through government buildings in Oslo.

The toll could rise further as the search continued for four or five people still missing from the island, aided by a mini-submarine and Red Cross scuba divers. (AFP)