Munich shooting draws condemnation, empathy from around the world

Leaders from around the world react to Friday’s shooting rampage in Munich which left 10 people dead, including the gunman, and more than two dozens injured.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germans were mourning those who died in the Munich attack and “share the pain” of the victims’ families and friends.

“These are very difficult hours,” said Horst Seehofer, mayor of Bavaria, of which Munich is the state capital.

U.S. President Barack Obama said: “Our hearts go out to those who may have been injured.

“Germany is one of our closest allies, so we are going to pledge all the support that they may need in dealing with these circumstances”.

French President Francois Hollande said in a statement that Germany could count on France’s support.

“The terrorist attack that has hit Munich, causing many casualties, is a new ignoble act that intends to seize Germany with terror after having done so in other European countries.

“Germany can count on the friendship and cooperation of France,” he said.

Prime Minister of Belgium, Charles Michel, also condemned the attack.

“Profoundly shocked. I condemn in the strongest terms the cowardly and despicable attack in Munich,” Belgian Prime Minister wrote on Twitter.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker also wrote on Twitter mourning the victims.

“Our thoughts are with the victims in Munich, their families and the police who risked their lives for defending a peaceful society,” Juncker wrote.

This is just as EU President Donald Tusk said in another tweet that: “All of Europe now with Munich”.

Flags outside EU buildings in Brussels were flying at half mast.

NATO also condemned the attack and mourned the victims.

“My thoughts tonight are w/all those affected by the senseless Munich shootings, and w/the people of Germany, in sorrow and solidarity,” Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent condolence telegrams to Merkel and Bavaria’s Seehofer, his spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

The Spanish royal palace wrote on its official Twitter account expressing solidarity with the families of the victims and Germany.

“Our wholehearted solidarity with the families of the victims and with the city of Munich and Germany in these hours of distress,” it wrote.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said he had spoken with Merkel on the phone to express his condolences and wish all the injured a full recovery.

Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency said the country “categorically” condemns the attack, quoting foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi.

“Today, the fight against terrorism in any form and anywhere should be regarded as a serious and prompt demand of the international community and human conscience and should be a pattern for all countries.”

In a statement, the foreign ministry in Cairo condemned the attack with the “strongest words” and reiterated Egypt’s vehement rejection “of all forms of terrorising civilians.”

Saudi Arabia “strongly condemns: the attack, Saudi-owned broadcaster al Arabiya reported, citing an unnamed official at the foreign ministry.

“The kingdom stands in solidarity with friendly Germany,” the official added.

“We are appalled by the horrific incident in Munich.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and those injured,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement.

Source: NAN