New Zealand remembers mosque attack victims

A national remembrance service was held to pay tribute to the victims of Christchurch terror attacks at Hagley Park on Friday morning.

The service was attended by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Governor-General Patsy Reddy, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and more than 100 International dignitaries, Xinhua reported.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern received a loud round of applause when she delivered her speech.

"Violence and extremism in all its forms is not welcome here. Over the last two weeks, we have shown that. You have shown that," said Ardern.

"The world has been stuck in a vicious cycle of extremism breeding extremism and it must end," she added.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel addressed the public by saying "hate has no place here".

Governor-General Patsy Reddy said "I'm here to convey love and messages of condolences and support from our Queen, from leaders of the nations around the world and from fellow New Zealanders."

"We are at such a point in our history," said Reddy, adding, "The best weapons against the senseless and vile politics of hate are to be found within each and every one of us."

During the ceremony, the names of the 50 victims, who died in the March 15 terrorist attacks, were read by members of the New Zealand Muslim community.

The service is jointly led by the government, the city of Christchurch, Maori tribe Ngai Tahu and the Muslim community. It is live-broadcast across the country.

The service came along with some of the strictest security measures seen in New Zealand for a public event. Event organisers estimated the crowd size at around 20,000 to 25,000.

--IANS

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