Brussels, 03/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has strongly condemned the terrorist attacks that plunged Nigeria into grief during the Christmas period. “I am profoundly shocked and saddened by the terrorist attacks which took place in several regions of Nigeria, including cowardly attacks on religious symbols and churches during the Christmas period, with appalling loss of human life”, the EU foreign policy chief says in a statement published on 26 December. Ashton expresses her condolences to the victims and their families and assures the Nigerian authorities of the EU's support in their fight against terrorism. On 3 January, the government declared a state of emergency in four regions threatened by the Al-Qaeda linked terrorists. (AN/transl.jl)