World condemns second major terror attack in France

The world reacted with shock and horror at the "terror" attack in Nice, France, where a truck mowed into a crowd of Bastille Day revellers killing at least 80 people. It is the second major terror attack in France after the November 2015 attacks in Paris.

US President Barack Obama issued a statement saying, "We stand in solidarity and partnership with France, our oldest ally, as they respond to and recover from this attack."

US Secretary of State John Kerry, condemning the attack, said the US will provide France with whatever support is needed.

"Today's (Thursday night) horrendous attack in Nice is an attack against innocent people on a day that celebrates liberty, equality and fraternity. I was proud to stand alongside French leaders earlier today at Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, and the US will continue to stand firmly with the French people during this time of tragedy. We will provide whatever support is needed," Kerry said.

Republican presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump tweeted: "Another horrific attack, this time in Nice. Many dead and injured. When will we learn? It is only getting worse."

Trump also postponed announcement of the vice presidential nominee on account of the attack.

Democratic presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton said: "Every American stands in strong solidarity with the people of France."

She said the attack "struck at one of our closest allies in the Europe".

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: "Canadians are shocked by tonight's attack in Nice. Our sympathy is with the victims, and our solidarity with the French people."

The United Nations condemned what it termed a "barbaric and cowardly" terror attack in Nice.

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, condemning the attack, said he was shocked to hear about the terror attack in Nice.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the attack and said: "India shares the pain and stands firmly with our French sisters and brothers in this hour of immense sadness," Modi said.

Brazilian President Michel Temer tweeted: "It is regrettable that on the day [that] eternalized fraternity as the motto of the French people, an attack destroyed the lives of so many citizens."

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he was "touched and afflicted by the terrible ordeal" in Nice.

"What happened in Nice is contrary to everything that unites us here in Mongolia," he said, addressing a plenary session at the ASEM summit.

Juncker vowed to continue the EU's "fight against terrorism inside and outside" the bloc.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his Luxembourg counterpart Xavier Bettel condemned the attack as the two held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Mongolia.

Buildings in the New York city and Dallas in Texas state of the US, were lit up in the red, blue and white of the French tricolor in solidarity with Nice.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo "directed state law enforcement officials to step up security at high-profile locations around the state, including our airports, bridges, tunnels and mass transit systems".

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang extended condolences to the victims of the attack and condemned "terrorism in all forms".

--IANS

rn/py/