The World reacts: US, EU and NATO condemn the attack

The United Nations, United States and the European Union condemned the blast that wrecked government buildings in Norway's capital Oslo today. US president Barack Obama also expressed his sentiments to Norwegians.

"We condemn these despicable acts of violence," State Department spokeswoman Heide Bronke Fulton told. "Our hearts are with the victims and their families, and we have reached out to the Norwegian government to express our condolences."

Fulton also said that the embassy in Norway’s Capital has urged all US citizens to avoid downtown Oslo and to "remain vigilant and aware of surroundings." She said that the United States was not aware of any casualties or injuries to US citizens. "The US has reached out to the Norwegian authorities to offer assistance, but there have been no specific requests from the Norwegians thus far," Fulton said.

Union European Herman Van Rompuy called the attack a coward act. "I am deeply shocked by the bomb blasts this afternoon in Oslo which have killed a number of innocent people and left many injured,” he lamented.

NATO also vehemently condemned the bombing attack in Oslo. NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen called the blast a "heinous act." Obama also extended his "personal condolences" to the people of Norway and said he had no information yet on the motives.