World leaders 'horrified' by Notre-Dame fire, offer help

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Europe

Political leaders from countries around the world have voiced solidarity with France over a devastating fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral, with U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting "flying water tankers" against the fire and Russian President Vladimir Putin offering to send the best specialists to help restore the cathedral.

"So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!" Trump tweeted as the disaster was unfolding.

But the French civil protection service responded that it would not follow Trump's advice. "The airdrop on this type of building could lead to the collapse of the entire structure," it said in a tweet.

The French civil protection service's response to Trump's suggestion. /Twitter Screenshot

As a result of the ferocious blaze that broke out on Monday, the spire and roof of the medieval Gothic cathedral collapsed, causing worldwide grief.

French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to rebuild the cathedral.

"Notre-Dame is our history, our literature, part of our psyche, the place of all our great events, our epidemics, our wars, our liberations, the epicenter of our lives," Macron told reporters in front of the still burning Paris landmark on Monday.

He then announced an international fundraising campaign to pay for reconstruction. "It's part of our French destiny," he said. "Tomorrow a national fund will be launched, and well beyond our borders."

On Tuesday, Putin sent a message to his French counterpart, offering to send the best Russian specialists to help restore the cathedral.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron attend a session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russia, May 25, 2018. /Reuters Photo

"Notre-Dame is a historical symbol of France, a priceless treasure of European and world culture, one of the most important Christian shrines. The tragedy that occurred last night in Paris has created pain in the hearts of Russians," Putin wrote in the message.

He expressed hope that the cathedral can be restored, and offered to send to France the best Russian specialists with extensive experience in restoring world cultural heritage sites, including works of medieval architecture.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was "horrified" by the fire and called Notre-Dame "a unique example of world heritage that has stood tall since the 14th century."

"Our hearts are broken," said the head of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, adding that the historic cathedral "represents an architectural, cultural and religious heritage, a unique literary heritage that speaks to the whole world."

People look at Notre-Dame Cathedral after a massive fire devastated large parts of the Gothic gem in Paris, France, April 16, 2019. /Reuters Photo

Notre-Dame "belongs to the whole of humanity. It has inspired writers, painters, philosophers and visitors who have come from all round the world," said EU Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker.

"You are going to rebuild your cathedral," vowed EU President Donald Tusk, calling on all 28 European Union member states to help.

Notre-Dame: Historic, majestic, and always rising from the ashes

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte called the fire "a blow to the heart for the French and for us all Europeans," while Spain's prime minister lamented the "sad news for our history and our universal cultural heritage."

British Prime Minister Theresa May said her thoughts were with the people of Paris after the "terrible blaze."

"It hurts to see these horrible pictures of the burning Notre-Dame... Our thoughts are with our French friends," Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel also expressed her sympathy.

(With inputs from agencies)

(Cover: A man takes pictures of Notre-Dame Cathedral after a massive fire devastated large parts of the Gothic gem in Paris, France, April 16, 2019. /Reuters Photo)

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