World Leaders Mourn Attack on Nice

Paris, 10 Syawal 1437/15 July 2016 (MINA) – Leaders from around the world have condemned last night’s attack on Nice, France, which occurred as crowds were gathered along the city’s waterfront promenade for the national celebration of Bastille Day, DPA reported.

It is the third major terrorist attack to hit France in 19 months, following shootings at the office of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and a Jewish supermarket in January 2015, and coordinated attacks around Paris last November.

US President Barack Obama:

“We stand in solidarity and partnership with France, our oldest ally, as they respond to and recover from this attack.

“On this Bastille Day, we are reminded of the extraordinary resilience and democratic values that have made France an inspiration to the entire world, and we know that the character of the French Republic will endure long after this devastating and tragic loss of life.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel:

“Germany stands side by side with France in the fight against terrorism. I am very confident that we will win this fight, despite the difficulties.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin:

“This crime, committed as your country celebrated its National Day, is shocking in its cruelty and cynicism. Once again we see that terrorism is completely devoid of any human morality: the victims are innocent civilians, including women and children.”

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg:

“I am appalled and saddened by the terrorist attack in Nice. … This attack targeted innocent people and the core values for which NATO stands. But terrorism will never defeat democracy, freedom and our open societies.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s spokesman Ibrahim Kalin:

“The modern barbarians who perpetrated the attack have nothing to do with religion and humanity. There is no room for them in this world.”

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani:

“Afghanistan shares the pain and stands in solidarity with France against terrorism, which knows no boundaries, race or religion. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims as we pray for full recovery of the many wounded in Nice, France, today.”

Syrian National Coalition, the main umbrella group of the Syrian opposition in exile:

“The world today is in dire need of a review of its stance towards the roots of terrorism. … Failure to adhere to the principles of human rights … contributes to the spreading of chaos.”

Al-Azhar, Egypt’s top Islamic body:

“All these cowardly terrorist acts contradict the tolerant teachings of Islam and all [other] heavenly religions.” (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)