ALGIERS, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Algeria on Tuesday condemned the terrorist attack that targeted a church in France, as a priest was killed, while reiterating solidarity with France in this tragic circumstance.
In a message addressed to his French counterpart Francois Hollande, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika says "I was deeply affected when I heard the horrible news of the terrorist attack that targeted a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray."
"During these painful moments and after such unacceptable act committed at a sacred place, I express, on behalf of the people and the government of Algeria, and on my own behalf, our deepest condolences and our compassionate feelings," Bouteflika said.
"Socked by this attack, Algeria condemns in the strongest terms this act that no cause can justify," the Algerian head of state said, stressing that "Islam which sanctifies human life and ennobles other religions can in no way be tainted by such a barbaric crime."
French media reported that two men stormed a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray in the northernmost region of Normandy.
The attackers took several people as hostages, while killing Jacques Hamel, a 86-year-old Catholic priest, and seriously injured another person.
The two attackers were killed by counter-terrorism units when they left the church.
One of the suspects in this church has been identified via fingerprints as 19-year-old Adel Kermiche, a French anti-terrorism prosecutor, authorities said. The other suspect is yet to be identified.
The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for this attack, according to media reports.
