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Australian PM condemns 'terrorist attack' on New Zealand mosques

Dunya News

Australian PM Scott Morrison called the incident 'violent, extremist, right-wing terrorist attack.'

(Web Desk / AFP) - Attacks on two mosques in New Zealand which left at least 49 people dead on Friday have sparked horror, revulsion and dismay around the world.

In a message on Twitter, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: "I’m horrified by the reports I’m following of the serious shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand. The situation is still unfolding but our thoughts and prayers are with our Kiwi cousins."

“I condemn the violent, extremist, right-wing terrorist attack that has stolen the lives of so many innocent New Zealanders as they went about their peaceful practice of worship at their mosques in Christchurch today,” he added.

PM Morrison said Australians stand with all New Zealanders during this dark time where hate and violence has stolen their peace and innocence.

He stated: “New Zealand, like Australia, is home to people from all faiths, cultures and backgrounds. There is absolutely no place in either of our countries for the hatred and intolerance that has bred this extremist, terrorist violence and we condemn it.”

Reacting to the Australian Prime Minister’s remarks, former defence minister and the PML-N leader Khawaja Asif said: “Good to see you eventually, and unequivocally characterized the attack as what it really is.”

Mr Morrison revealed an investigation has been launched after security agencies told him the man believed to be behind the storming of mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch was an Australian-born citizen.

At least 49 people inside and outside the Al Noor Mosque in central Christchurch and the Linwood Mosque in the city’s outer suburbs have been killed in the attack.

New Zealand police have charged one man with murder following the terror attack.

"One person, a male in his late 20s, has been charged with murder, and should appear in the Christchurch Court tomorrow morning," said New Zealand police Commissioner Mike Bush.

WORLD LEADERS CONDEMN ATTACK

Pakistan president Imran Khan said he was shocked and strongly condemned the attack.

"This reaffirms what we have always maintained: that terrorism does not have a religion. Prayers go to the victims and their families."

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the deadly attack on two mosques in New Zealand, saying it illustrated the growing hostility towards Islam "idly" watched by the world.

 

"With this attack, hostility towards Islam that the world has been has been idly watching and even encouraging for some time, has gone beyond the boundaries of individual harassment to reach the level of mass killing," said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"If measures are not taken right away, news of other disasters will follow this one... I am calling on the world, in particular the West, to take quick measures," he said.

‘Do the necessary’

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said he hoped New Zealand "will arrest these terrorists and do the necessary under the law of the country."

Indonesian President Joko Widoyo, head of the world’s largest Muslim country, said "we strongly condemn these kind of violent acts".

Cruel, cynical attack

"An attack against peaceful people gathering for prayer is shocking in its cruelty and cynicism," Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"I hope that those involved will be severely punished," he said in a message to Arden.

‘Harrowing news’

"Harrowing news from New Zealand overnight" said EU Council president Donald Tusk.

"The brutal attack... will never diminish the tolerance and decency that New Zealand is famous for."

‘Sickening act of violence’

British Prime Minister Theresa May offered deepest condolences "after the horrifying terrorist attack in Christchurch. My thoughts are with all of those affected by this sickening act of violence."

‘Racist hatred’

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she mourned "with New Zealanders for their fellow citizens who were attacked and murdered out of racist hatred while peacefully praying in their mosques. We stand together against such acts of terrorism."

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed Merkel’s message, condemning an "odious attack" and saying France "stands against any form of extremism".

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said the US-led alliance "stands with our friend and partner New Zealand in defence of our open societies and shared values".

‘Fanatics want to destroy society’

Spanish Premier Pedro Sanchez said his thoughts were with the victims, families and government of New Zealand after attacks by "fanatics and extremists who want to destroy our societies".

‘Painful memories’

Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg urged the international community to combat all forms of extremism after the Christchurch attacks, which revived painful memories of the 2011 Breivik mass killings in Norway.

"It’s obviously very sad. It recalls painful memories of our own experience with July 22, the most difficult moment in the post-war period in Norway,"

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