Finland Times

President Sauli Niinistö on Friday condemned the attack on Thursday in Nice during the city's celebration of Bastille Day, France's national day, which killed at least 84 people.

"This brutal attack on Bastille Day is an attack against European values. Finland strongly condemns terrorism and will stand alongside France in support," Niinistö said in a statement.

The president sent a message of condolence to French President Francois Holland expressing his deep sympathies on behalf of Finland to the victims' relatives and loved ones and to the entire French nation.

Prime Minister Juha Sipilä, who is currently attending the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit of European and Asian leaders in Mongolia, also condemned the attack. He said it was an attack against the open society.

"Defending our common values based on openness and democracy is now more important than ever before," Sipilä said.

On Thursday evening, a gunman driving a large truck mowed down a crowd in the southern city of Nice, leaving at least 84 people dead.