French president denounces "odious crimes" against mosques in New Zealand

PARIS, March 15 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday denounced the deadly shootings that targeted worshippers in two mosques in news.cn/en/tag/i0xngaj3163f76200c981b/index.html" target="_blank">new Zealand, reaffirming his determination to join the fight against terrorism across the globe.

"All of our thoughts go out to the victims of these odious crimes against Christchurch's mosques in news.cn/en/tag/i0xngaj3163f76200c981b/index.html" target="_blank">new Zealand, as well as their families," Macron wrote on Twitter.

"France stands against all forms of extremism and is working with its partners to fight against terrorism around the world," he said.

At least 49 people were killed and 48 others were wounded after two gunmen opened fire on worshippers during Friday prayers in central Christchurch.

Three suspects were detained and remained in police custody. One of them, a 28-year-old Australian man, has been charged with murder and will appear in court on Saturday, media reports quoted news.cn/en/tag/i0xngaj3163f76200c981b/index.html" target="_blank">new Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush as saying.

In a statement, French Foreign Minister Jean Yves Le Drian expressed condolences to the victims of Friday's attacks, which he described as an "ordeal."

Le Drian stressed that the assault "strengthens our shared determination to combat terrorism all over the world."

In solidarity with the victims, the Eiffel Tower of Paris will go dark on Friday evening, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo said on Twitter.