Leaders condemn `sickening' act

European leaders condemned as "sickening" the massacre that left 74 dead in southern Egypt yesterday and sent condolences and…

European leaders condemned as "sickening" the massacre that left 74 dead in southern Egypt yesterday and sent condolences and offers of help.

The British Foreign Secretary, Mr Robin Cook, said he was "horrified" by the gun and dagger attack in which some 61 of those who died were foreign tourists visiting an ancient temple at Luxor. "I send the British government's heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and our sympathy to the Egyptian government, with whom we stand together in condemning this sickening act of violence," he said. The French President, Mr Jacques Chirac, sent a condolence message to his Egyptian counterpart, Mr Hosni Mubarak.

"Having heard news of the terrible attack that just took place in Luxor, I would like to express my sympathy," Mr Chirac said in a telegram made public by his office.

In Germany, the Foreign Minister, Mr Klaus Kinkel, condemned "as firmly as possible" what he called "a repugnant act of violence by devoted fanatics".

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In Brussels, the European Commission President, Mr Jacques Santer, sent a telegram of condolences to Mr Mubarak for what he called an "odious act".

"I have learned the news of the murderous attack which took place at Luxor with great emotion and I send you, in my name and that of the European Commission, my sincere condolences," he said.

Russia also condemned the attack. "We condemn any incident of terrorism, the more so if innocent people suffer as a result," Interfax quoted a source in the ministry of foreign affairs as saying. The Russian foreign ministry source said that so far the ministry had not been notified of any Russian nationals among the victims, although it had not received full details yet. The resort is highly popular among the growing ranks of Russian tourists, who take advantage of cheap package tours offered by local tourist agencies.