BSS
  02 Jan 2025, 20:47

Global condemnation, condolences for New Orleans attack

PARIS, Jan 2, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - International condemnation poured in Thursday for the attack on a crowd of New Year's Eve revellers in New Orleans that killed at least 15 people and wounded dozens.

Here is a round-up of global reaction.

- United Nations –

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "strongly condemns" the attack and "extends his condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives", said a statement from his spokesperson.

- Pope –

"Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury," the Vatican's secretary of state wrote in a message to the archbishop of New Orleans, adding the pontiff "prays for the healing and consolation of the injured and bereaved".

- France –

"New Orleans, so dear to the hearts of the French, has been struck by terrorism," French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X, posting in both French and English.

The attack took place in the Louisiana city's historic French Quarter.

"Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and the injured, as well as with the American people, whose sorrow we share," Macron said.

- China –

"We are shocked by this violent attack," Beijing's foreign affairs spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters. "China always opposes any violent and terrorist acts targeting civilians."

"We mourn the victims, and express our sympathy to their families and those injured."

- European Union –

"I am deeply saddened by the horrible attack in New Orleans," EU chief Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X.

"We must stand united in the fight against violence and terrorism, and work together towards a safer future."

- NATO –

"Deeply saddened by the news of the horrific attack in New Orleans. My thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured or who lost loved ones," the alliance's Secretary-General Mark Rutte posted on X.

- Germany –

"This is terrible news from New Orleans," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on X.

"People celebrating happily are torn from their lives or injured by senseless hatred. We grieve with the families and friends of the victims."

- Britain –

"The shockingly violent attack in New Orleans is horrific," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote on X.

"My thoughts are with the victims, their families, the emergency responders and the people of the United States at this tragic time."

- Ukraine –

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was "horrified" by the attack.

"Violence, terrorism, and any threats to human life have no place in our world," he posted on X.

- Israel –

"Deeply saddened by the terrorist attack in New Orleans," Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar wrote on X.

"My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the victims. Wishing a swift recovery to the two injured Israeli citizens and all the wounded... Terror has no place in our world."

- Saudi Arabia-

Saudi Arabia "condemns and denounces" the attack, its foreign ministry said on X.

- UAE –

The United Arab Emirates expressed its "strong condemnation of these criminal acts" and "its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism targeting innocent people", the foreign ministry said.

- Jordan –

Jordan "denounced (the) terrorist attack" and "stressed the Kingdom's rejection of all forms of terrorism and violence... as well as its complete support and solidarity with the government and people of the friendly United States of America", foreign ministry spokesman Sufian Al-Qudah said in a statement.

- Kuwait –

The Kuwaiti foreign ministry "emphatically condemned and denounced the tragic" incident in a statement, saying the country "stands side by side with the US".

- Turkey –

"We are deeply saddened," Turkey's foreign ministry said.

"We extend our condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives."