By Nawal Sayed
CAIRO, March 15 (SEE) - Egypt condemned the terrorist attacks on two mosques in New Zealand on Friday and mourned all the victims, according to an official statement issued by the foreign ministry.
In a quick reaction to the terrorist attacks, committed by a 28-year old Australian right-wing hardliner during the Friday’s mass prayers, Egypt denounced the attacks and sent warm condolences to families of the victims.
49 Muslims killed and more than 48 injured in that mass massacre.
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A still image taken from video circulated on social media, apparently taken by a gunman and posted online live as the attack unfolded, shows him driving in Christchurch, New Zealand, March 15, 2019. Social Media Website/Handout via REUTERS TV ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES[/caption]
“Egypt supports New Zealand’s efforts and mourns the victims’ families over that terrorist attack which contradicts all principles of humanity,” the statement read.
According to the statement, Egypt stressed that international community should intensify efforts to combat terrorism, violence and extremism.
“The Egyptian embassy in New Zealand is following up the developments of the attack in coordination with the concerned authorities there,” the statement added.
On its part, the Egyptian embassy mourned the victims and called on all Egyptian expats living in New Zealand to be careful and avoid crowded places.
“In coordination with the New Zealand’s security apparatuses and foreign ministry, the embassy seeks to obtain more information about the victims’ identities and nationalities,” according to a statement issued by the embassy on Friday.
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A still image taken from video circulated on social media, apparently taken by a gunman and posted online live as the attack unfolded, shows him entering a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, March 15, 2019. Social Media Website/Handout via REUTERS TV ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY[/caption]
The statement urged Egyptian community in New Zealand to contact the embassy quickly in case of any emergency. “You can contact us via a 24-hour working hotline 04-4724900.”
The Egyptian Orthodox Coptic Church in New Zealand also issued a statement condemning the terrorist attacks and wished speed recovery to the injured.
“The Egyptian Church will ring its bells to mourn the victims on Sunday at 12 pm, in solidarity with our Muslim brothers in New Zealand,” the statement noted.
The Church’s statement stated that “May God bless New Zealand and keep it a place of tolerance and love. We ask God to prevail peace around the world.”
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