Institutional statement by acting President of the Government, Mariano Rajoy

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

"Ladies and gentlemen, good morning,

I speak to you in order to express the condolences of the Government of Spain following the brutal attack last night in Nice.

Today, we share the immense pain felt by our neighbours. It is the pain of all good people, potential victims of barbarity, senselessness and absolute contempt for human life.

Once again, I wish to reiterate our loyal and sincere commitment to our neighbours, partners, allies and friends in France.

France will receive full cooperation from Spain to identify, persecute and punish the terrorists and whoever supports and harbours them.

I would also like to express my support and encouragement for President Hollande and his government, who are facing this terrorist offensive with enormous integrity.

We know that nobody is completely safe from such barbarities - unimaginable until very recently - as that which took place in Nice last night.

We face a global threat that demands a global and comprehensive response from democracy. And Spain, which has severely suffered from acts of terrorism, is present and actively involved in that global response.

Also today, I wish to remember all those members of the State law enforcement agencies - the Spanish National Police Force, the Spanish Guardia Civil, the Intelligence Services and the Armed Forces - who endeavour to protect our security on a daily basis. To them we owe the enormous task that comprises preventing our security both within and beyond our borders.

At this time, the terrorist threat Assessment Council is meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs and a meeting of the Anti-terrorist Pact Monitoring Committee has been called for 11:30 this morning.

I have spoken with King Felipe of Spain this morning, who is being kept up-to-date with events as they happen. And the Vice-President of the Government called the leaders of the main political forces early this morning to inform them of the situation.

So far, as things stand right now, we have no news of any Spanish victims. Between now and 9 am on Sunday, 17 July, flags will remain at half-mast as a sign of mourning and respect. One minute's silence has also been called at all official buildings at midday today.

I repeat, today is a day of deep pain for all those of us who respect and love life and freedom. Our thoughts are with the victims; we express our solidarity with our neighbours following this attack, and we are determined to maintain our strong collaboration with our partners and allies until we can definitively eradicate this criminal madness.

Thank you very much."