United in horror, world leaders react
London: French President Emmanuel Macron led the global condemnation of Saturday’s terror attack in London which left seven people dead.
A French citizen was among those killed, the Foreign Ministry says. The dozens of people injured also included four French nationals. Mr Macron spoke by phone with UK Prime Minister Theresa May, and said France was “more than ever at Britain’s side”.
A Canadian citizen was killed, and two Germans were injured, one critically. No names of those killed have been released.
Mr Macron was one of the first world leaders to react to the events.
“In the face of this new tragedy, France is more than ever at Britain’s side. My thoughts go out to the victims and their loved ones.”
France “will continue to fight terrorism with all its powers, alongside the United Kingdom and all affected countries”, he said.
The presidential office described the London attack as a “new abominable, cowardly attack on our free societies”.
France has experienced several attacks in recent months, including a deadly shooting on the ChampsElysees days before its presidential elections, and a machete attack outside the Louvre Museum.
The lights on the Eiffel Tower in Paris was turned off on Sunday night in a gesture of solidarity.
Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said his “prayers and resolute solidarity” were with the British.
Two Australians were affected, he said. One was in hospital, while the authorities were working to determine the status of the second person, Mr Turnbull said.
Other countries
US, European and Commonwealth leaders have also rallied around the UK.US President Donald Trump tweeted a message of support to the UK. He also sparked controversy after he called for his travel ban on visitors from six predominantly Muslim countries to be upheld by US courts, and criticised the mayor of London. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a statement (in German): “Today we are united across borders in horror and mourning, but also in determination.
“For Germany, I reiterate that in the fight against all forms of terrorism, we are resolutely at Britain’s side.”
Spain’s Foreign Ministry said it shared “the pain of the relatives of the victims deceased in these cowardly attacks”.
European Commission President
Jean-Claude Juncker said he was following the latest incidents “with horror”. He said: “Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Please stay safe.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin
“sends his deepest condolences to Britons and condemns the terrorist act that happened several hours ago in London”, his spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov said.
Later in a telegram to UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Mr Putin said joint efforts to fight terrorism “should be a mutual response”, according to a Kremlin statement.
In the Vatican, Pope Francis:
He urged followers to “pray for the victims and for their families”.
New Zealand Prime Minister
“New Zealand’s thoughts are with the victims of today’s attack,” said Prime Minister Bill English. “Too many lives are being taken by terrorists set on inflicting pain and suffering on innocent people.” At least one New Zealander was injured in the attack. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Twitter: “Awful news from London tonight. We’re monitoring the situation.”