Saudi Arabia backs France & condemns terror attack in Nice even as Turkey, Pakistan oppose

In contrast to growing outr among some Muslim-majority nations around world against France, Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned terrorist attack near tre-Dame Cadral in Nice, which killed three and injured several ors on Thursday, with one person even heiusly being beheaded. 

Foreign Ministry reiterated Saudi Arabia's stand on such extremist acts which go against all religions and human faiths. In a statement carried by Saudi Press ncy (SPA), it stressed importance of rejecting practices that fan flames of hatred, violence and extremism.

"We reiterate Kingdom's utter rejection of such extremist acts that are inconsistent with all religions, human beliefs & common sense. We affirm importance of rejecting practices that generate hatred, violence & extremism," Ministry said. 

Saudi Arabia has become  first major Islamic nation to stand by France amid its escalating tensions with or countries such as Turkey, Pakistan and also Malaysia over President Macron's recent controversial remarks on religious extremism. 

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France witnesses second ‘terrorist attack’ 

French media reported that one of three victims killed in 'terrorist attack' at Nice was brutally beheaded by attacker, who has w been arrested. Apart from three deceased, several ors have been injured in incident. 

Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice has come forward to reveal that attacker, shouted a religious slogan while he was being restrained by French Police. Taking to Twitter, Estrosi termed incident as "a terrorist attack", calling for an end to "fascism" in country.

Thursday’s attack comes during heightened tensions in country in relation to extremism and debate over religious extremism. attack also comes amid rising tensions between France and Islamic countries over recent beheading of a French teacher who had shown caricatures of Prophet that had been published by Charlie Hebdo satirical weekly which is itself a terror victim. 

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Turkey & Pakistan criticise Macron

row between France and Islamic nations has escalated over Macron's strong clampdown on terrorism in nation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had earlier alleged that Macron "needed treatment" for his mental condition over his crackdown on terrorism, which he said was a crackdown on Islam and Muslims. 

In an extraordinary outburst, former Malaysian PM Mahathir Bin Mohamad criticised Emmanuel Macron and said that France has killed millions of people in course of its history, many of whom were Muslims. former PM had lashed out at Macron for being "very primitive" in blaming Islam and Muslims for killing of "insulting school teacher" and sought to pre-justify killing of People in France in a tweet that has w been deleted. 

READ | France Church Attack: Macron Calls For Unity, Says Country Will t Give In To Terror

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s parliament passed a resolution on October 27 over French President’s comment on Islam, urging government to recall its Ambassador from France. resolution was introduced hours after Pakistan summoned French envoy Marc Baréty to lodge “strong protest” against Macron’s comment on radical Islamists and cartoons of Prophet Muhammad.

While several Islamic countries have called for similar measures, Pakistan’s resolution was unique since it doesn’t have an ambassador currently in France. 

READ | 'India Stands With France In Fight Against Terrorism': PM Modi Reacts To Nice Attack