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Nice attack: Obama, Modi and other world leaders react to deadly France strike

Politicians from around the world have reacted with horror after a truck smashed into a crowd in the French resort of Nice, killing at least 80 as they watched a Bastille Day fireworks display.

FP Staff|Jul 15, 2016, 12:12:28 IST

Politicians from around the world have reacted with horror after a truck smashed into a crowd in the French resort of Nice, killing at least 80 as they watched a Bastille Day fireworks display.The French leaders reacted to the Nice attack which happened late on Thursday night.Francois HollandeFrench President Francois Hollande vowed to strengthen his France's role in the fight against the Islamic State group after the deadly Nice attack, which is yet to be claimed by any group."Nothing will make us yield in our will to fight terrorism. We will further strengthen our actions in Iraq and in Syria. We will continue striking those who attack us on our own soil," he said, in reference to the Islamic State group.He also said he had called on reservists to boost the ranks of police and gendarmes. France's "operational reservists" include French citizens with or without military experience as well as former soldiers.He also extended the state of emergency in France for another three months after the truck attack in Nice.Mayor of ParisThe Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, sent a message of support to the people of Nice: "I learned with horror the attack occurred that night in Nice, which left more than 70 dead and dozens injured. This barbaric act hit innocent blindly gathered on the Promenade des Anglais to celebrate our National Day and the founding values of our Republic," she said."My first thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and to all Nice. I want to tell them, as I have said it on the phone to Christian Estrosi, we share their pain and we stand with them in solidarity and mourning," she said. She asked "services of the City of Paris to half-mast, on Friday morning, the flags present in our buildings.""While it is too early to know the motivation of the perpetrator, the magnitude of this tragedy rekindles in us the terrible memories of 13 November. We must have intransigence and firmness with regard to those who attack us, but also unity and living together for our people."Other world leaders also reacted to the nice attack. Here are their reactions:Barack ObamaUS President Barack Obama condemned what he said appeared to be a "horrific terrorist attack"."We stand in solidarity and partnership with France, our oldest ally, as they respond to and recover from this attack," he said in a statement."On this Bastille Day, we are reminded of the extraordinary resilience and democratic values that have made France an inspiration to the entire world."Narendra ModiIn a statement, Modi condemned the horrific attack. “Appalled by horrific Nice attack. I strongly condemn such mindless acts of violence. My thoughts are with the families of deceased.”

Pranab MukherjeePresident Pranab Mukherjee also extended condolences to the families of victims in the Nice attack. Mukherjee also said that India will strengthen its cooperation with France and other countries in its fight against terrorism.

He also wrote a letter to his French counterpart Francois Hollande to convey condolences on the deaths in the "heinous" terror act in Nice and said India stands with France in its fight against terrorism.In his message, Mukherjee said, "I am deeply pained to learn that France is once again afflicted by a major tragedy caused by a heinous act of terror last evening. The pre-meditated massacre of innocent people as they were participating in Bastille Day celebrations - including, sadly, many children, is an unspeakable crime.""Please accept my heartfelt condolences on this shocking incident. The people of India stand beside the people of France with solidarity and sympathy. We share your grief at the loss of lives and pray for the swift recovery of the injured," Mukherjee wrote in his message.Rahul GandhiCondemning the terror attack in Nice, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday said "violence and terror cannot be the answer to anything"."I strongly condemn the attack. Our only hope for peace, progress and happiness is a shared humanity. Violence and terror can never be the answer," Gandhi tweeted."My heart goes out to the people of France as they mourn those who lost their lives in the horrific attack in Nice," he added.John KerryUS Secretary of State John Kerry, who had been in Paris earlier in the day for a Bastille Day parade, said: "The United States will continue to stand firmly with the French people during this time of tragedy. We will provide whatever support is needed."Justin TrudeauCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on Twitter: "Canadians are shocked by tonight's attack in Nice. Our sympathy is with the victims, and our solidarity with the French people."

Hillary ClintonHillary Clinton, the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party for President of the United States in the 2016 election showed her support for the people of Nice. She condemned the attack and said, "Every American stands in strong solidarity with the people of France"

Donald TrumpDonald Trump, the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party for President of the United States in the 2016 election responded to the tragedy on Twitter and called the incident “horrific”. He also cancelled a planned news conference where he was expected to announce his pick for a running mate.

Angela MerkelChancellor Angela Merkel said Friday, Germany "stands alongside France in the fight against terrorism." "We are all united in shock," Merkel said on the sidelines of the two-day Asia-Europe summit, known as ASEM in Mongolia, adding that "words can barely express" what France's allies felt.Theresa MayA spokesman for new British Prime Minister Theresa May called the attack "a terrible incident", adding "we are shocked and concerned".Boris JohnsonBoris Johnson, whose first engagement as Britain's new foreign secretary was at the French ambassador's Bastille Day party in London, said on Twitter, "Shocked and saddened by the appalling events in Nice, and the terrible loss of life."

Bill de BlasioNew York mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted that he was "sickened by news of another senseless attack".

European Council President Donald Tusk called it "a sad day for France, for Europe". He said it was "tragic" that "the subjects of the attack were people celebrating liberty, equality and fraternity."Li KeqiangChinese Premier Li Keqiang offered his "condolences" to the victims and said China opposed all forms of terrorism.UNThe United Nations Security Council called the attack "barbaric and cowardly".Malcolm TurnbullAustralian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull mourned for the victims in Nice attack.

With input from AFP

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