The United States and United Nations has condemned terrorist attacks on two churches in Egypt during the celebration of the Palm Sunday.
The Department of State, in a statement issued by its Spokesperson, Mr Mark Toner, described the bombings as barbaric.
“The United States condemns in the strongest terms, the barbaric attacks on Christian places of worship in Tanta and Alexandria that killed dozens of innocent people and injured many more on this holy day of Palm Sunday.
“We express our condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wish a quick recovery for all those injured.
“The United States will continue to support Egypt’s security and stability in its efforts to defeat terrorism,” the statement said.
Personally, President Donald Trump condemned the attacks and urged the Egyptian Government to handle the “unfortunate’’ incident properly.
“It is so sad to hear of the terrorist attack in Egypt. U.S. strongly condemns it.
“I have great confidence that President Al Sisi will handle the situation properly,” Trump said on his Twitter handle.
Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres and the Security Council also condemned the bombings.
Guterres, in a statement by his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, hoped that “the perpetrators of this horrific terrorist act will be swiftly identified and brought to justice”.
In a separate statement, the Security Council called the bombings “heinous and cowardly”, and reaffirmed that terrorism was one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
The bombings were also strongly condemned by the High Representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).
The UN body said that the attacks, which occurred during Palm Sunday when both churches were packed with worshippers aimed at ruining the unity and diversity that characterized the Egyptian society.
Launched in 2005 through the initiative of Spain and Turkey, under the auspices of the UN, the Alliance maintains a global network of partners.
The UNAOC’s alliance includes States, international and regional organizations, civil society groups, foundations and the private sector, to improve cross-cultural relations between diverse nations and communities.
Guterres, the Security Council and the UNAOC expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims of the attacks and to the Government of Egypt.
They also wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured, according to the statements.
The UN scribe and the bodies stressed the need to bring everyone responsible for the attacks to justice, and urged UN member-states to cooperate with Egypt and all other relevant authorities.
TheNewsGuru.com reports that the attacks killed no fewer than 41 people and injured more than 100 others in two Coptic churches.
NAN