Ban phones France’s Hollande to offer condolences in wake of terrorist attacks

On a phone call to French President François Hollande, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reiterated his condemnation of the terrorist attacks in Paris last week, and presented his condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government and people of France.

In a readout of the conversation, the UN chief commended France’s determination and active role in mobilizing the international community to counter the grave threat of international terrorism, according to a UN readout of the call.

At the same time, Mr. Ban underscored that many refugees were themselves fleeing extremism and terrorism and stressed the importance for France and Europe to continue to treat refugees and migrants with compassion and to respect their rights.

Though details are still emerging, terrorists carried out multiple coordinated shootings and bomb attacks across Paris this past Friday, 13 November, targeting a concert hall, cafes and the Stade de France stadium, reportedly killing more than 120 people and wounding some 400 others. According to media reports, Da’esh (also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL) claimed responsibility for the attacks.