World leaders condemn Manchester terror attack
LONDON (Reuters) — World leaders have expressed solidarity with Britain and condemned the deadly terror attack at a pop concert in the city of Manchester that left 22 dead and 59 wounded on Monday night.
US President Donald Trump extended his condolences yesterday to the victims and said those behind the attack were “evil losers.”
Trump, speaking after talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem, said the United States stands in “absolute solidarity” with the British people.
“I extend my deepest condolences to those so terribly injured in this terrorist attack, and to the many killed and the families, so many families of the victims,” Trump said. “So many young, beautiful innocent people living and enjoying their lives murdered by evil losers in life.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping was one of the first to express condolences in a message to Queen Elizabeth II, expressing deep sorrow for the innocent victims, the injured and their families. He said the Chinese people stood firmly with the country at this difficult time, reported The Guardian.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also quick to react.
“Pained by the attack in Manchester. We strongly condemn it,” Modi wrote on Twitter. “Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and prayers with the injured.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready to boost anti-terror cooperation with Britain in a condolence message to Prime Minister Theresa May over the “inhuman” attack in Manchester, the Kremlin said yesterday, reported Agence France-Presse.
“We firmly condemn this cynical, inhuman crime. We expect that those behind it will not escape the punishment they deserve,” Putin said in a statement published by the Kremlin.
“The Russian head of state confirmed his readiness to bolster anti-terrorism cooperation with our British partners, both on a bilateral basis and in the framework of broader international efforts,” it added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement: “The Israeli government strongly condemns the terrible terror attack last night in Manchester. I send my condolences to the families of those murdered and wishes of swift recovery to the wounded. Terror is a global threat and the enlightened countries must act together to defeat it in any place.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, for his part, said Canadians were “shocked by the news of the horrific attack,” while European Union president Donald Tusk wrote: “My heart is in Manchester this night.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said he was “horrified” by the attack.
“The President of the Republic will pursue with the government, and with British forces, the fight against terrorism,” said a statement from Mr. Macron’s office.
French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe called on French citizens to exercise the utmost vigilance after the “abominable crime” in Manchester.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced “sorrow and horror,” adding: “This suspected terrorist attack will only strengthen our resolve to work with our British friends against those who plan and execute such inhuman acts. I assure the people in Britain that Germany stands by your side.”
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also condemned the attack and said Japan stood side-by-side with the British people. He said he was “deeply shocked” at “this appalling act of terrorism” targeting young people in a message to British Prime Minister Theresa May.
“On behalf of the government of Japan and the Japanese people, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the victims and extend our sympathies to those who have been injured,” he added, according to