PARIS // World leaders joined British politicians on Sunday in condemning the attacks in Central London that killed seven people, reacting with outrage and pledging their solidarity.
United Kingdom
Prime minister Theresa May strongly condemned the recent terror attacks in London and Manchester, saying “enough is enough” – and tougher measures are needed as “terrorism breeds terrorism” and attackers copy each other.
Speaking in a televised statement in front of her Downing Street office after holding an emergency ministerial meeting, she said that while the recent attacks are not connected, they are all bound by the “single evil ideology” that says western values are incompatible with Islam.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the attack was “a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners and visitors to our city enjoying their Saturday night”. He added: “There is no justification whatsoever for such barbaric acts.”
United States
President Donald Trump tweeted: “Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there - WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!”
The US state department called the assaults “cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians” and added: “The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request.”
US pop star Ariana Grande whose concert in Manchester last month was the scene of a deadly suicide bombing, tweeted simply: “Praying for London.”
Germany
Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed solidarity with the people of London saying she learned with “sadness and dismay” of the attacks in the London Bridge area Saturday night.
“Today, we are united beyond all borders in horror and sorrow, but also in determination,” she said.
France
French president Emmanuel Macron said French citizens are among the wounded in Saturday’s London attack.
He denounced the “abominable and cowardly” attack on Sunday, saying France will continue fighting “terrorism with all our strength alongside Britain and all other countries concerned”.
UAE
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has condemned the terrorist attacks, emphasising the UAE’s firm stance against extremism and terrorism.
The ministry stressed that London’s terrorist attacks reaffirm the urgent need for concerted international efforts to combat terrorism, calling for joint cooperation and addressing this serious scourge that threatens the security and stability of countries all over the world.
European Union
“Following latest London incidents with horror. Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Please stay safe”, tweeted European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker.
Indonesia
The world’s most populous Muslim nation also condemned the attacks and reaffirmed its support and solidarity with Britain in its efforts to combat “radicalism and terrorism”. Indonesia too has been battling Muslim militants groups that have staged attacks across the sprawling archipelago, including in the capital Jakarta.
Philippines
President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his sympathies to the victims of the London attacks, even as his troops struggled to end a deadly siege of a southern city by ISIL group-aligned local militants.
His spokesman Ernesto Abella said “acts such as these touched not only the people of London, they also touched all peace-loving people in the global community”.
Canada
Canadian president Justin Trudeau tweeted: “Awful news from London tonight. We’re monitoring the situation.”
Australia
“Prayers and resolute solidarity are today as always with the people of Britain in the face of the shocking terrorist attacks in London,” said prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.
* Agence France-Presse, Associated Press and Wam
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