WORLD leaders condemned fatal stabbings yesterday in the French city of Nice that France called an Islamist terrorist attack.

Condemnation came from US President Donald Trump, United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres, as well as European, Arab and Israeli leaders.

“Our hearts are with the people of France. America stands with our oldest Ally in this fight,” Trump tweeted.

“These Radical Islamic terrorist attacks must stop immediately. No country, France or otherwise can long put up with it!”

One of the first to condemn was Turkey, embroiled in a row with France for its permitting publication of cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad that have triggered a wave of attacks against French people.

“We strongly condemn the attack committed today inside the Notre-Dame church in Nice,” a Turkish foreign ministry statement said.

It expressed solidarity with France, and offered condolences to relatives of the three people killed in the attack.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also condemned the attack, while adding that “peace cannot be achieved with ugly provocation”.

Elsewhere in the Middle East, Arab and Islamic leaders drew a clear distinction between their religion and violent acts that claimed to defend it.

Egypt’s foreign ministry said it “stands as a government and people with… France in combatting this hateful incident”.

Qatar voiced strong condemnation and reiterated its rejection of violence and terrorism, especially against places of worship and regardless of the motives

The foreign ministry also expressed condolences to the victim’s families.

Lebanese prime minister designate Saad Hariri urged Muslims “to reject this criminal act that has nothing to do with Islam or the Prophet”.

European Union leaders quickly expressed solidarity with France, and pledged to confront “those that seek to incite and spread hatred”.

“I condemn the odious and brutal attack that has just taken place in Nice and I am with France with all my heart,” European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen tweeted.

“We will remain united and determined in the face of barbarity and fanaticism.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was “deeply shaken by the brutal murders” and said “my thoughts are with the relatives of those murdered and injured. Germany stands with France at this difficult time.”

In a statement issued later by EU Council chief Charles Michel, the 27 leaders expressed solidarity with France but made no reference to the controversy over cartoons mocking the Prophet.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte condemned a “cowardly attack” and said: “Our convictions are stronger than fanaticism, hatred and terror. We embrace the families of the victims and our French brothers. We are united!”

Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez added: “We continue to defend freedom, our democratic values, peace and the security of our citizens.” – AFP, October 30, 2020.