Remembrance service slated for Christchurch victims

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(190317) -- CHRISTCHURCH, March 17, 2019 (Xinhua) -- Flowers are placed by people to mourn the victims of the attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 17, 2019. The death toll from the terror attacks on two mosques in New Zealand's Christchurch has risen to 50 as one more victim was found at one of the shooting scenes, the police said on Sunday. (Xinhua/Guo Lei)

Wellington, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Sunday that the country will hold a national remembrance service on March 29 for the 50 victims of the attack in the Christchurch mosques.

The service will provide an opportunity for New Zealanders and people around the world to come together as one to honour the victims of the attack carried out at two mosques on March 15, Xinhua news agency quoted Ardern as saying in a statement.

“There has been an outpouring of grief and love in our country since the unprecedented terror attack. The service will be a chance to once again show that New Zealanders are compassionate, inclusive and diverse, and that we will protect those values,” she added.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said she is proud of her city in responding to the attack, and that “this would be a time for everyone to come together in unity”.

The service will be held at Christchurch’s Hagley Park and will be jointly led by the government of New Zealand, the city, and the Maori and Muslim communities.

Foreign leaders and dignitaries would likely be in attendance, as well as global Muslim leaders.

On Sunday, peaceful rallies and vigils were held in the country to commemorate the victims.