Dharamshala — The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Monday (July 18) sent a letter of condolence to President Francois Hollande of France following the mass casualty terrorist attack in Nice.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama expressed his shock and sadness at the heartbreaking deaths of more than 80 people in Nice during celebrations to mark Bastille Day.
In his condolence message, the Tibetan leader said: "I would like to convey my condolences to you and the people of France, especially to the families and friends of those, including even children, who were killed. I pray for the full and speedy recovery of those who were injured.
"In the face of such a tragedy, it is important to make an effort to maintain peace of mind and ask what practical steps we can take together to prevent such incidents happening again," the Nobel Peace Prize laureate added.
His Holiness concluded, "I firmly believe that giving in to anger and hatred does not further the happiness that is our common goal as human brothers and sisters."
Following the attack on a Bastille Day parade in the French seaside town of Nice, where a man driving a truck deliberately ran over dozens of people and killed at least 84, world leaders and government officials across the world expressed dismay, sadness and solidarity with France and and condemned the act of terrorism.
The Bastille Day attack in Nice, in which 84 were killed, has triggered an outpouring of tributes and vigils were held around the world on Friday, July 15, beginning a somber weekend after the attack.
As France declared three days of national mourning from Saturday 16, the Eiffel Tower was illuminated with the colours of the French national flag in tribute to victims of the terror attack, which comes after attacks in November in Paris in which 130 died and in January 2015 that killed 17.
