Arab States decry terrorist attacks on New Zealand mosques

The United Arab Emirates vehemently condemned terrorist attacks that targeted two Christchurch mosques, in New Zealand, leaving scores of innocent people dead and injured, the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

In a statement on Friday, the UAE Foreign Ministry expressed its full solidarity with New Zealand in the face of terrorism and extremism and all measures taken to preserve peace and security on its lands.

Earlier, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed that 49 people have been killed and dozens others injured in mosque attacks in Christchurch.

Saudi Arabia strongly condemns the attacking, an official source at the Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

The source reiterated Saudi Arabia's condemnation of all forms of terrorism, adding that terrorism has no religion or homeland, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The source stressed the kingdom's stance that religions should be respected.

Lebanon condemned the mass shootings and warning from the escalating wave of extremism in Western societies.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Jubran Bassel has always warned of the upsurge of extremist right-wing activity in Western societies and is now warning against the upsurge of the left-wing movement as a reaction, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

The statement noted that Lebanon will remain a country of moderation and tolerance.

For his part, Mufti of the Lebanese Republic Sheikh Abdel Latif Darian condemned the criminal attack, describing it as a terrorist attack against Islam and Muslims in the whole world.

Kuwait strongly condemned the terrorist shooting attack, KUNA news agency report.

Kuwait affirms its full solidarity with New Zealand, and support of all measures it takes to preserve its security and safety of its people and residents, an official foreign ministry source stated Friday.

The GCC-member state reiterates its principled and firm stand against all forms and manifestations of terrorism and violence, the source added.

Kuwait expressed sincere condolences to the victims' families, wishing a speedy recovery for the wounded, said the source.

For his part, Kuwait's Ambassador to New Zealand Ahmad Al-Wuhaib said that there are no Kuwaitis among victims of the attacks, adding that all Kuwaiti students and diplomats in the country are safe.

He urged the Kuwaitis in New Zealand to take precaution and contact the mission in case they needed any help.