Broad consensus in condemning Peshawar attack: Steiner

Germany today strongly condemned the ghastly terror attack on an Army school in Peshawar in Pakistan in which 132 children were killed.
"The only thing one can say at this juncture is that the attack was completely atrocious. Nevertheless, the immediate reaction to the event from all quarters, has shown a broad consensus.
"Even the Taliban from Afghanistan had to distance itself from this....One might have differences in views but on such issues...The censure from even differing factions is encouraging," German Ambassador Michael Steiner said at a charity event here.
The Ambassador distributed gifts to underprivileged children brought together by NGO Butterflies, a short-stay crisis center for abandoned and homeless children.

"Children everywhere are the same, be it in Germany or India. The trick is to be like them when you are in their company. I get be like a child with them, that is why, I whole-heartedly endeavour for such initiatives," he said.
On being asked about reports of central government's move to celebrate 'Good Governance' day on Christmas, Steiner said, "I think whatever be the law, people of this country have inculcated a positive approach towards things and that is encouraging. We have received good response from people amidst all the controversies."
"The children of our organisation have written a letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as well as the parents of the deceased children, showing their solidarity to the nation in their time of grief," said Rita Panicker, Director, NGO Butterflies.