Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg on Friday condemned the deadly mass shootings in New Zealand and emphasized the importance of international work against extremism.
“This is a reminder that we have to fight extremism in all forms,” Solberg told public broadcaster NRK.
“Even though this happened on the other side of the globe, it is a strong reminder of how important it is for all of us to help bring down tensions, work against extremism and have solidarity with each other when something like that happens,” she said.
The prime minister expressed worry that the suspect posted a manifesto online in connection with the attack, which resembles the terror attack in Norway in 2011 that killed 77 people.
“Unfortunately, this gives rise to associations with a situation in Norway, which is some of the worst in our time. It shows that the international work against extremism is extremely important,” Solberg said.
“But first and foremost, we are now mourning all those killed and wounded and, not least, have solidarity with their families,” she said.
At least 49 people were killed and 48 others injured in multiple shootings in two mosques of New Zealand’s Christchurch on Friday. One of the shooters was identified as an Australian national, described as “an extremist, right-wing, violent terrorist” by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
