WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 16th April, 2019) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sent his condolences to the people of France in the wake of the devastating fire at the landmark Notre Dame cathedral in Paris.
"Like most Americans watching the tragic fire of Notre Dame Cathedral, I am truly saddened at the devastation and loss of this sacred space," Pompeo said on Twitter on Monday. "My sincere condolences to the people of France, to Catholics, and to those around the world who have long admired its beauty and history."
Hundreds of firefighters have been struggling to contain the blaze of the medieval cathedral, a popular tourist spot. The fire has collapsed the Gothic building's spire, clock and the entire roof and has leaped to one of the two bell towers. The fire started at 6:50 p.m. local time (16:50 GMT) on Monday.
The White House said in a statement on Monday evening that President Donald Trump continues to monitor the situation and receives regular updates throughout the evening.
French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner interrupted his official trip to Mayotte, a French overseas department, due to the incident, France Info reported, adding that the minister would arrive in continental France on Tuesday morning to monitor the situation.
The restoration of the iconic cathedral in Paris may take at least 10 years, Michel Picaud, the president of the Friends of Notre-Dame of Paris Foundation told reporters.
