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French president says St. Petersburg explosion "tragic event"

Xinhua, April 3, 2017 Adjust font size:

French President Francois Hollande on Monday called the explosion in the Russian city of St. Petersburg a "tragic event,", stressing the necessity of "continued vigilance" amid high terrorism risks.

In a statement released by his office, Hollande "expresses solidarity with the Russian people," and said "ready to respond to any help request of assistance,"to help the Russian authorities.

He will talk with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin "very soon," it added.

In a separate statement, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault expressed "France's solidarity with Russia and all ... support and condolences to the families of the victims."

No information was available "at this stage" to confirm whether French national were among the victims, Ayrault added.

"We are in contact with the Russian authorities and verifications are ongoing," the French top diplomat said.

Earlier on Monday, blasts hit two subway stations in the Russian city of St. Petersburg. At least 10 people have been killed and 50 others injured, according to Russian media. Endit