LOC15:45
12:45 GMT
PARIS, April 9 (KUNA) -- French President Francois Hollande on Sunday expressed "consternation" after what he dubbed "an odious attack" which was carried out against a Coptic Church in the town of Tanta, north of Cairo earlier in the day.
France condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Egypt and the families of the dead and wounded. At least 21 were said to have died in the church attack and 50 more were wounded.
Hollande said in a statement from the Elysee Palace that the attack in Tanta was carried out by "terrorists who want to destroy unity and diversity" in Egypt."
He promised support for Egypt in the fight against terrorism.
Shortly after Hollande's statement was issued, reports started coming in of other attacks on Coptic Churches in the port city of Alexandria. (end)
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