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ORLANDO, June 13, 2016 (Xinhua) -- People mourn the victims of the mass shooting during a vigil at a park in Orlando, the United States, on June 12, 2016. At least 50 people were killed and 53 others wounded early Sunday in a shooting spree at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)
ORLANDO, the United States, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Members of the international community have sent condolences to the American people over the tragic mass shooting in the city of Orlando, Florida, on Sunday and condemned the horrific terror attack.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called his U.S. counterpart, Barack Obama, on Monday to offer condolences over the deadly mass shooting.
On behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, Xi expressed deep sympathy and sincere condolences to Obama, the U.S. government and the American people. He also expressed grief to the victims.
Authorities said 49 people were killed and 53 others wounded, including a police officer, early Sunday in a mass shooting at a popular gay nightclub in Orlando, in the southeastern U.S. state of Florida. That did not include the gunman, who was killed in the shootout with the police.
It was the deadliest terror attack in U.S. history since the Sept. 11attacks in 2001. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday condemned the "horrific attack." He extended "his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his solidarity with the government and people of the United States," Ban said a statement issued by his spokesman.
Condolences also poured in from many countries such as France, Germany, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore and Israel, among others. They also condemned the attack.
British Prime Minister David Cameron on Sunday expressed his horror.
He tweeted: "I'm horrified by reports of the overnight shooting in Orlando. My thoughts are with the victims and their families."
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond also tweeted, "Shocked by shooting in Orlando." He noted that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is in contact with the local authorities.
Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen on Sunday night condemned the shooting.
"It is clear that we have witnessed a vicious attack on the right to be who you are, on the right to love the person you love," Rasmussen said in a statement.
"Too many innocent people have lost their lives in Orlando because liberality and tolerance has been met with hatred," he said.
He also expressed his condolences to, and solidarity with, the American people. "Rather than dividing us, it will unite us. We will protect the values our society is built upon: the freedom to live the life you want."
Rasmussen said the United States has Denmark's full support, saying that "we Danes stand shoulder to shoulder with Americans in their grief."
The Greek Foreign Ministry also condemned the Orlando mass shooting and expressed condolences to the victims' families and the American people.
"We express our unequivocal condemnation and abhorrence of the deadly attack that took place in Orlando, Florida, USA. and which resulted in the tragic deaths of dozens of innocent victims," the Foreign Ministry said in press statement.
"We express our condolences and support to the U.S. government and our friends, the American people. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims," the statement said.
Related:
No Chinese national among Orlando shooting victims: official
HOUSTON, June 13 (Xinhua) -- There are no Chinese nationals who have been identified by U.S. authorities among the victims of Sunday's mass shooting in Florida, the Chinese Consulate-General in Houston said Monday.
At least 49 people were killed and 53 others wounded, including a police officer, early Sunday in the shooting at a gay nightclub in the city of Orlando.Full story
Obama to mourn victims of Orlando shooting Thursday
WASHINGTON, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Monday announced that President Barack Obama will visit Orlando, Florida on Thursday to mourn the victims killed in the deadliest shooting in U.S. history.
"On Thursday, the president will travel to Orlando, Florida to pay his respects to victims' families, and stand in solidarity with the community as they embark on their recovery," said a White House statement.Full story
