World leaders condemn New Zealand mosque attacks

Christchurch, NU Online
The word leaders have expressed their solidarity with New Zealand after mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch that killed nearly 50 people on Friday morning, khaleejtimes.com reported.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the events in Christchurch represented "an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence" and called it "one of New Zealand's darkest days."

Police have arrested four people in relation to the terrorist attack and defused several devices.

In the meantime, the world angrily reacted to New Zealand mosque mass shooting. Leaders from around the world responded to the deadly attacks which happened during Friday prayers.

Political leaders from across the world have expressed their condemnation at the deadly attacks.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, condemned the mass shooting during the Friday prayer today at two Christchurch mosques in New Zealand, which left 40 people at least dead and scores other seriously injured.

"On a peaceful Friday, and in a mosque, a typical peaceful place of worship, we saw the most heinous of religious hate crimes where 49 worshippers were killed. Our condolences to New Zealand, and to the families of the victims, and to all Muslims in my name and on behalf of my country that is dedicating a full year for promoting tolerance in the world. We express our deepest sorrow and call upon the entire world to thoughtfully consider inculcating interfaith tolerance," Sheikh Mohammed said in his official Twitter account.

Meanwhile, in a tweet, US President Donald Trump sent "warmest sympathy and best wishes" to the people of New Zealand.

He wrote that "49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The US stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!"

Also, Queen Elizabeth II, New Zealand's head of state, said she was "deeply saddened" by the attacks on two mosques on Friday which left 49 people dead.

"I have been deeply saddened by the appalling events in Christchurch... At this tragic time, my thoughts and prayers are with all New Zealanders," Queen Elizabeth said in a message.

"Prince Philip and I send our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives," she said, paying tribute to emergency workers and volunteers providing support to the injured.

Separately, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she mourned "with New Zealanders for their fellow citizens who were attacked and murdered out of racist hatred while peacefully praying in their mosques. We stand together against such acts of terrorism."

There have been many world leaders, such as French President Emmanuel Macron echoing Merkel's message, condemning an "odious attack" and saying France "stands against any form of extremism" and Japan's top government spokesman offering his condolences to the victims of mosque attacks in New Zealand and says Japan stands by the people of that country.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, in a regular news conference Friday, expressed "heartfelt condolences" to the shooting victims and their families, while extending sympathy for the injured.

Suga expressed "solidarity with the people of New Zealand."

Sweden's Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom has tweeted that she was "shocked by the attack in Christchurch," saying "we condemn terrorism in all forms."

Meanwhile Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is calling on Western nations to rapidly take measures to curb rising racism against Islam and Muslims, saying new attacks such as the mass shootings in New Zealand would otherwise be "inevitable."

Speaking at the funeral of a former minister on Friday, Erdogan renewed his condemnation of the attack on two mosques in Christchurch.

Erdogan said: "It is clear that the understanding that the murderer - who also targeted our country, our people and my person - represented, has rapidly started to take over Western communities like a cancer." It was an apparent reference to reports that a suspect had left behind a 74-page manifesto that also threatened Turks.

Erdogan continued: "I call on Western countries especially to rapidly take measures against this dangerous turn that threatens the whole of humanity." (Masdar)