France condemns attack on tourists in Egypt

France Monday condemned the terrorist attack on a tourist bus in Egypt's Sinai peninsula, which killed four people, including three South Korean tourists Sunday.

"We send our condolences to the victims' families and assure the Korean and Egyptian authorities of our solidarity," Xinhua quoted French foreign ministry's spokesperson Romain Nadal in a press briefing.

"France stands at the side of Egyptian people in the face of the scourge of terrorism and supports the transition to democratic institutions open to all political forces who reject violence," the official said.

A bus carrying mostly South Korean tourists exploded in the Sinai peninsula Sunday, killing three tourists from the Republic of Korea as well as the Egyptian driver.

Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, a Sinai-based Al Qaeda-inspired group, claimed responsibility for the explosion.