PARIS — World leaders and politicians have condemned Thursday’s attack by a truck driver who ploughed his vehicle through Bastille Day revellers in Nice, killing at least 84 people.
“We stand in solidarity and partnership with France, our oldest ally, as they respond to and recover from this attack,” said United States President Barack Obama.
Sympathy and condemnation for the attack dominated the opening of an Asia-Europe summit in Mongolia, drawing attention away from Beijing’s rejection of a tribunal ruling dismissing its South China Sea claims.
European Council president Donald Tusk expressed consternation that France was attacked on its national day, and said the world stands united with the French people.
“It’s a tragic paradox that the subjects of this attack were people celebrating liberty, equality and fraternity,” he said, referring to the French national motto.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said: “We strongly condemn terrorism of all forms. We express our condolences to the victims and we will fight all kinds of terrorism.” Counter-terrorism efforts were already due to be discussed at the biennial Asia-Europe Meeting, but the issue was given renewed urgency by the outrage in Nice. Leaders and representatives of governments from Ireland to Indonesia held a minute’s silence for the victims at the opening of the summit in Ulan Bator.
“Today we all, Europe and Asia, stand united with the French people and their government,” said a statement issued by the leaders. “We strongly condemn the heinous and cowardly terrorist attacks perpetrated, resulting in the unacceptable loss of innocent lives and countless injuries.”
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that “despicable terrorism engulfing innocent people can never be forgiven”, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel said her country “stands alongside France in the fight against terrorism”.
Singapore leaders have written to their French counterparts to convey their condolences. “We are profoundly saddened by the loss of lives and our deepest sympathies go to the families of the victims,” wrote President Tony Tan in a letter to French President Francois Hollande.
“Singapore strongly condemns any acts of terror. The attacks on innocent lives are senseless and unjustifiable.”
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wrote to his French Premier Manuel Valls to express Singapore’s solidarity with France. “Our thoughts are with France and her people during this time of grief,” said Mr Lee. AGENCIES
