'Delicate moment' - Gentiloni on Paris (2)

(ANSA) - Washington, April 21 - Premier Paolo Gentiloni said Thursday night he "agreed with the words of President Trump...condolences and closeness to the French people and government in such a delicate moment, three days from the elections". Also on Thursday evening, Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano voiced "pain and dismay for the terrible attack in Paris...we are close to the relatives of the people involved and to France". The Paris attack was a "cowardly act", President Sergio Mattarella said Friday. "No form of terrorism, however bloody, will make European nations pull back from their determination to recognise, safeguard and promote the founding values of our democratic societies," he said.
    A police officer was killed and two others injured by a terrorist who was then shot dead on the Champs Elysees.
    The attack was claimed by so-called Islamic State (ISIS) militants.