![\"\"](\"https:\/\/english.thesunrisetoday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/World-reacts-at-New-Zealand-terrorist-attacks-on-mosque.jpg\")
Political, Muslim and leaders of other faiths expressed their disgust at deadly shootings at two mosques in New Zealand on Friday as some revealed their citizens had been caught up in the bloodshed.
\nThe timing of the shootings in the city of Christchurch, during Friday prayers, and the posting on social media of what appeared to be live, point-of-view video footage of the assault by a gunman added to the distress of many.<\/p>\n
Saudi Arabia<\/strong> King Salman on Friday sent a cable of condolences to the Governor-General of New Zealand Batsy Reddy for the victims of Friday\u2019s terror attack on two mosques in Christchurch.<\/p>\n “We strongly condemn this outrageous criminal act and would like to express to you and to the families of the deceased and to the people of New Zealand on behalf of the people and government of Saudi Arabia our heartfelt and sincere condolences.\u201d<\/p>\n He assured the Kingdom\u2019s support for New Zealand and said that the terrorist attack was condemned by \u201call religions and international conventions.\u201d<\/p>\n An official source at the Saudi Foreign Ministry also condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack. Jordan<\/strong> Egypt<\/strong> Saudi Arabia\u2019s Council of Senior Scholars<\/strong> It called on \u201cthe world, its organisations and institutions to criminalise hate speech as soon as possible because it nourishes extremism and terrorism, and leads to such brutal terrorist incidents.\u201d<\/p>\n The council also emphasized that hate speech should be fought because it does not serve peace and security which is what the world wants.<\/p>\n Al-Azhar Mosque<\/strong> Muslim World League<\/strong> Arab League<\/strong> United Nations<\/strong> Egypt’s Coptic Church<\/strong> Morocco<\/strong> Indonesia<\/strong> Malaysia<\/strong> Iran<\/strong> Bangladesh<\/strong> United States<\/strong> White House press secretary Sarah Sanders described the attack as a \u201cvicious act of hate.\u201d She says the US stands in \u201csolidarity\u201d with the people of New Zealand.<\/p>\n Trump tweeted that \u201cinnocent people have so senselessly died\u201d and added: \u201cThe US stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!\u201c<\/p>\n Russia<\/strong> European Union<\/strong> \u201cThe European Union will always stand with New Zealand and against those who heinously want to destroy our societies and our way of life,\u201d the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker said.<\/p>\n United Kingdom<\/strong> \u201cI have been deeply saddened by the appalling events in Christchurch… At this tragic time, my thoughts and prayers are with all New Zealanders,\u201d she said in a message. British Prime Minister Theresa May offered her deepest condolences \u201cafter the horrifying terrorist attack in Christchurch. My thoughts are with all of those affected by this sickening act of violence.\u201d<\/p>\n Norway<\/strong> Germany<\/strong> German Chancellor Angela Merkel has sent a telegram to the prime minister of New Zealand, expressing her condolences. Spain<\/strong> Italy<\/strong> France<\/strong> Sweden<\/strong> Hungary<\/strong> Japan<\/strong> Pope Francis<\/strong>
\nSaudi Arabia\u2019s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman offered their condolences to New Zealand\u2019s government after the terrorist attacks on two mosques in the country.<\/p>\n
\nThe source reiterated Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, regardless of its source, and said that terrorism has no religion and no homeland. It emphasized the Kingdom’s position that religions should be respected.
\n
\nUAE<\/strong>
\nAnwar Gargash, the UAE\u2019s minister of state for foreign affairs, tweeted \u201cheartfelt condolences\u201d to New Zealand on Friday.
\nGargash wrote: \u201cOur collective work against violence & hate must continue with renewed vigor. Our thoughts & prayers are with the families of the victims.\u201d
\nTurkey
\nTurkish President Tayyip Erdogan\u2019s spokesman condemned what he called a \u201cracist and fascist\u201d attack.
\n\u201cThis attack shows the point which hostility to Islam and enmity to Muslims has reached,\u201d Ibrahim Kalin wrote on Twitter.
\n\u201cWe have seen many times Islamophobic discourse against Islam and Muslims turning into a perverse and murderous ideology. The world must raise its voice against such discourse and must say stop to Islamophobic fascist terrorism,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\nJordanian State Minister for Media Affairs Jumana Gneimat emphasized the country\u2019s \u201crejection of terrorism and the assault of those living in peace and places of worship.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nEgypt condemned the terror attack in New Zealand and demanded that the names of victims be disclosed immediately.<\/p>\n
\nSaudi Arabia\u2019s Council of Senior Scholars strongly condemned on Friday the horrific incident that targeted worshippers in two mosques in New Zealand, resulting in dozens of people being killed and injured.<\/p>\n
\nAl-Azhar\u2019s sheikh condemned the terrorist attack on mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.
\nAl-Azhar warned in a statement that the attack is a serious indicator of the consequences of the escalation of hate speech, xenophobia and the spread of Islamophobia in many European countries, stressing the need not to tolerate the racist groups committing such abhorrent acts.<\/p>\n
\nThe Muslim World League expressed its deep sorrow and condemnation at the terrorist operation that claimed dozens of lives and injuries in some mosques in New Zealand, which clearly reflected one of the worst forms of inciting hatred in a world that is most in need of circumventing the values of love, harmony and peace.
\nThe Secretary-General and Chairman of the World Council of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, said that this barbaric work is added to the parallel models of the acts of Daesh and Al-Qaeda. The league always emphasizes the importance of tackling extremism and counter-extremism. In particular, the enactment of legislation that prevents all forms of incitement of hatred, including religious and ethnic contempt.
\nThe Secretary-General of the Association confirmed his confidence in the New Zealand government to bring those involved in this crime to justice and to prosecute them as terrorists.<\/p>\n
\nThe Arab League strongly condemned the terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.<\/p>\n
\nThe Secretary-General of the UN Antonio Guterres is appalled by the terror attacks in New Zealand and said there is an urgent need to work better globally to tackle Islamophobia, a spokesman said.<\/p>\n
\nEgypt’s Coptic Church condemned the terrorist attack on two mosques in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
\nMorocco strongly condemned the terrorist attack on two mosques in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIndonesia strongly condemns this shooting act, especially at a place of worship while a Friday prayer was ongoing,\u201d Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said in a statement.
\nShe was earlier cited by media as saying six Indonesians had been inside the mosque when the attack occurred, with three managing to escape and three unaccounted for.
\nIndonesia\u2019s ambassador to New Zealand, Tantowi Yahya, told Reuters inquiries were being made as to whether Indonesians were caught up in the attack. There are 331 Indonesians in Christchurch, including 134 students, the foreign ministry said.<\/p>\n
\nIn Muslim-majority Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, the leader of the biggest party in its ruling coalition, said one Malaysian had been wounded in the attack he described as a \u201cblack tragedy facing humanity and universal peace.\u201d
\n\u201cI am deeply saddened by this uncivilized act, which goes against humanistic values and took the lives of civilians,\u201d he said in a statement.
\n\u201cWe extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims and the people of New Zealand.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nIranian state TV Friday said a spokesman of the foreign ministry, Bahram Ghasemi, condemned the shootings as a \u201cterrorist attack.\u201d
\nIran\u2019s ambassador to New Zealand, Jalaleddin Namini, told Iranian state TV that there were no Iranian nationals among those killed or wounded. However, Namini said he is still waiting for a confirmed list of the victims.
\nAfghanistan
\nAfghanistan\u2019s ambassador to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, Wahidullah Waissi, said on Twitter three Afghans had been wounded.
\n\u201cMy thoughts are with the family of Afghan origin who\u2019ve been shot and killed at this heinous incident.\u201d
\nPakistan
\nPakistan\u2019s foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal condemned the incident on social media, using the hashtag #pakistanagainstterror.<\/p>\n
\nBangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sent a message to her New Zealand counterpart, Jacinda Ardern, expressing her \u201cdeep shock\u201d and condemnation of the attacks on two mosques in Christchurch.
\nHasina\u2019s press wing said the prime minister reached out to Ardern on Friday.
\nAn international cricket match between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been canceled after players from the visiting team narrowly avoided a mass shooting at one of the mosques.
\nBangladesh\u2019s cricket board president says the team is safe in a locked hotel in Christchurch.<\/p>\n
\nUS President Donald Trump is expressing \u201cwarmest sympathy and best wishes\u201d to the people of New Zealand after \u201cthe horrible massacre in the Mosques.\u201d
\nTrump tweeted Friday as the White House issued a statement condemning the attacks at two mosques.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAn attack against peaceful people gathering for prayer is shocking in its cruelty and cynicism,\u201d Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
\n\u201cI hope that those involved will be severely punished,\u201d he said in a message to Arden.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHarrowing news from New Zealand overnight\u201d said EU Council president Donald Tusk. \u201cThe brutal attack… will never diminish the tolerance and decency that New Zealand is famous for.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nQueen Elizabeth II said she’s \u201cdeeply saddened\u201d by the \u201cappalling\u201d terrorist attacks.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cPrince Philip and I send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives,\u201d she said, paying tribute to emergency workers and volunteers providing support to the injured.<\/p>\n
\nThe prime minister of Norway, which saw 77 people killed in a far-right attack eight years ago, has expressed solidarity with New Zealand after deadly attacks on two mosques.
\nErna Solberg told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that \u201calthough it is across the globe, this is a strong reminder of how important it is for all of us to help bring down tensions, work against extremism, and that we show solidarity with each other when something like that happens.\u201d
\n\u201cThis looks like it is a terrorist attack from the extreme right against immigrants and refugees,\u201d Solberg said, adding it is \u201ca reminder that we have to fight extremism in all forms.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nGerman Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said his country was \u201cprofoundly affected by the brutal crimes in Christchurch.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt is a perfidious attack on worshippers and their houses of prayer,\u201d Merkel said Friday. \u201cThe attack on Muslim citizens is also an attack on New Zealand\u2019s democracy and its open and tolerant society. We share these values and thus also the horror of the New Zealanders.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nSpanish Premier Pedro Sanchez said his thoughts were with the victims, families and government of New Zealand after terrorist attacks by \u201cfanatics and extremists who want to destroy our societies.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nItalian Premier Giuseppe Conte has sent his condolences to the victims of the mosque attacks in New Zealand that left 49 dead.
\nConte on Friday called the attacks \u201cdreadful,\u201d noting that the victims were \u201chit while they were in a place of prayer. All forms of intolerance, hatred and violence are inacceptable.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nFrance is increasing security measures at mosques and other religious sites after the deadly attack against two mosques in New Zealand.
\nFrench Interior Minister Christophe Castaner tweeted Friday that he ordered regional prefects to send patrols and reinforce surveillance of places of worship \u201cas a precaution.\u201d
\nFrench President Emmanuel Macron, also in a tweet, denounced the \u201codious crimes against the mosques in New Zealand\u201d and said that France will work with international partners to fight terrorism.
\nThe rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris condemned the attack in Christchurch, which left at least 49 dead.
\nFrance is home to western Europe\u2019s largest Muslim community. While French Muslim and Jewish sites are sporadically targeted by vandals, France has not seen a major attack on mosques of the kind that targeted New Zealand.<\/p>\n
\nSweden\u2019s Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom has tweeted that she was \u201cshocked by the attack in Christchurch,\u201d saying \u201cwe condemn terrorism in all forms.\u201d
\nDanish Foreign Minister Anders Samuelsen also commented that \u201cextremism has again shown its ugly face.\u201d
\nDenmark\u2019s Jewish community, which was targeted in a February 2015 attack where a guard was shot and killed, also expressed \u201cshock\u201d at the news of the New Zealand attack.<\/p>\n
\nHungary\u2019s president has sent a telegram to New Zealand\u2019s governor-general expressing all Hungarians\u2019 condolences to the families and friends of the victims\u2019 in the \u201cruthless attack\u201d against the two Christchurch mosques.
\nPresident Janos Ader said he was \u201cdeeply shocked\u201d by the news and wished the injured a speedy and full recovery.
\nAder said that \u201cin these difficult hours, we all express our sympathies with those who mourn their loved ones lost in this pointless terror attack.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nJapan\u2019s top government spokesman has offered his condolences to the victims of mosque attacks in New Zealand and says Japan stands by the people of that country.
\nChief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, in a regular news conference Friday, expressed \u201cheartfelt condolences\u201d to the shooting victims and their families, while extending sympathy for the injured.
\nSuga expressed \u201csolidarity with the people of New Zealand.\u201d
\nJapan\u2019s Foreign Ministry issued an emergency safety advisory to Japanese nationals in the area, urging them to stay indoors and follow instructions from the local authorities.
\nThe ministry also advised the Japanese in Christchurch to closely monitor local news \u201cto secure your own safety.\u201d
\nSo far no Japanese have been affected by the attacks<\/p>\n
\nPope Francis is denouncing the “senseless acts of violence” in the Christchurch mosque shootings and is praying for the Muslim community and all New Zealanders.
\nIn a telegram of condolences Friday, Francis offered his solidarity and prayers to the injured and those who are mourning lost loved ones, and noted that it was a particularly difficult time for security and emergency personnel.
\nHe said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the injury and loss of life cause by the senseless acts of violence at two mosques in Christchurch, and he assures all New Zealanders, and in particular the Muslim community, of his heartfelt solidarity in the wake of these attacks.”
\nThe message sent by the Vatican secretary of state ended by saying: “Commending those who have died to the loving mercy of Almighty God, Pope Francis invokes the divine blessings of comfort and strength upon the nation.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n