France

World leaders condemn deadly knife attack in France

Agence France-Presse

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

World leaders condemn deadly knife attack in France

French policemen stand guard the site of a knife attack at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Nice in Nice on October 29, 2020, as forensics officers prepare to enter. - France's national anti-terror prosecutors said Thursday they have opened a murder inquiry after a man killed three people at a basilica in central Nice and wounded several others. The city's mayor, Christian Estrosi, told journalists at the scene that the assailant, detained shortly afterwards by police, "kept repeating 'Allahu Akbar' (God is Greater) even while under medication." He added that President Emmanuel Macron would be arriving shortly in Nice. (Photo by ERIC GAILLARD / AFP)

Photo by Eric Gaillard/AFP

The Pope, European leaders, as well as Turkey condemn the deadly stabbings in the French city of Nice

World leaders condemned the deadly stabbings on Thursday, October 29, in the French city of Nice, which authorities are investigating as a terrorist act, and expressed solidarity with France.

on Thursday, October 29, in the French city of Nice, which authorities are investigating as a terrorist act, and expressed solidarity with France.

Condemnation came from the Pope and European leaders as well as from Turkey, which is involved in a heated diplomatic spat with Paris over cartoons mocking the prophet.

‘Savage’ attack

“We strongly condemn the attack committed today inside the Notre-Dame church in Nice,” a Turkish foreign ministry statement said.

It also expressed solidarity with France, and offered condolences to the relatives of the 3 people killed in the attack.

EU solidarity

European Union leaders expressed solidarity with France as well, and pledged to confront “those that seek to incite and spread hatred.”

“I condemn the odious and brutal attack that has just taken place in Nice and I am with France with all my heart,” European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen tweeted.

“My thoughts are with the victims of this hateful act. All of Europe is in solidarity with France. We will remain united and determined in the face of barbarity and fanaticism.”

Merkel ‘deeply shaken’

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said “I am deeply shaken by the brutal murders in the church in Nice. My thoughts are with the relatives of those murdered and injured. Germany stands with France at this difficult time.”

‘Vile attack’

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte condemned what he called a “vile attack” and said it “will not shake the common front defending the values of freedom and peace.

“Our convictions are stronger than fanaticism, hatred and terror.”

‘Defending freedom’

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: “We continue to defend freedom, our democratic values, peace and the security of our citizens. United against terror and hatred.”

‘Sowing death’

Pope Francis prayed for the victims as the Vatican said that “terrorism and violence can never be accepted.

“Today’s attack has sown death in a place of love and consolation. The Pope is aware of the situation and is close to the mourning Catholic community,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said.

UK stands with France

The pontiff urged people in France to “unite to combat evil with good.”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged solidarity with Paris in the fight against extremism.

“I am appalled to hear the news from Nice this morning of a barbaric attack at the Notre-Dame Basilica,” he tweeted in English and French.

“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and the UK stands steadfastly with France against terror and intolerance.” – Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!