Saturday, November 14, 2015

President Obama calls Paris massacres an attack against ‘all of humanity’


President Barack Obama condemned the series of deadly attacks across Paris Friday as an ‘attack on all of humanity’ and pledged to work with France in order to bring those responsible to justice.

‘Whenever these kinds of attacks happen, we’ve always been able to count on the French people to stand with us,’ said President Obama.
‘They have been an extraordinary counterterrorism partner. And we intend to be there with them in that same fashion.’
The Empire State Building (left) and Freedom Tower (right) were lit up in red, white and blue on Friday night
The Empire State Building (left) and Freedom Tower (right) were lit up in red, white and blue on Friday night
President Obama also spoke by phone to President Hollande on Friday evening according to the White House.
Iran’s Hassan Rouhani also branded the Paris attacks ‘crimes against humanity’ and said he had cancelled planned trips to France and Italy according to IRINN TV.
Secretary of State John Kerry said that the US Embassy in Paris is doing everything they can to assure the safety of Americans and that the United States was prepared to offer France whatever support it needs in the coming days.
Prime Minister David Cameron said on Friday; ‘I am shocked by events in Paris tonight. Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people. We will do whatever we can to help.’
The landmark CN Tower is lit blue, white and red in the colors of the French flag following Paris attacks, in Toronto
The landmark CN Tower is lit blue, white and red in the colors of the French flag following Paris attacks, in Toronto
In the United Arab Emirates, the state-run WAM news agency said Saturday that Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent a telegram to President Hollande offering his condolences and pledging support for France. WAM said Al Nahyan also supported doing ‘what it takes to face terrorism and eliminate it.’
In tiny Kuwait, emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah said in a statement that he offered his condolences, while stressing that “these criminal acts of terrorism … run counter to all teachings of holy faith and humanitarian values.”
Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is lit red, white and blue after the Paris attacks
Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is lit red, white and blue after the Paris attacks
In Saudi Arabia, the state-run Saudi Press Agency quoted a Foreign Ministry official denouncing Friday’s attack.
President Xi Jinping of China said on Saturday morning; ‘This is a traumatic time for the French people, and on behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in my own personal capacity, I condemn this barbarous action in the strongest possible terms, express my profound grief for the victims, and offer my sincere condolences to the injured and to the bereaving families of victims.
‘China has consistently opposed all forms of terrorism, and is willing to work with France and the international community to strengthen security cooperation and to fight terrorism together, safeguarding the lives of people of all countries.’
The Calgary Tower in Alberta was lit up red, white and blue on Friday night
The Calgary Tower in Alberta was lit up red, white and blue on Friday night
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement; ‘I am shocked and saddened that so many people have been killed and injured today in a number of terrorist attacks in Paris, France, and that many others are being held hostage.
‘As the situation continues to unfold, Sophie and I join all Canadians in extending our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed. It is our sincere hope that the hostages are freed unharmed as soon as possible. We also wish a speedy recovery to all those who have been injured.
‘Canada stands with France at this dark time and offers all possible assistance. We will continue to work closely with the international community to help prevent these terrible, senseless acts.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of France and we mourn their loss.’
San Francisco City Hall is lit up with blue, white and red, the colors of the French flag
San Francisco City Hall is lit up with blue, white and red, the colors of the French flag
Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York released a statement, saying; ‘On behalf of all New Yorkers, I offer my thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by the attacks in Paris earlier today.
‘These were tragic and senseless acts of violence that have claimed innocent lives and torn families apart – and my heart goes out to the loved ones of all who have been lost.
‘As more details emerge, I want the people of Paris to know that just as the world has stood by New York in times of tragedy, today New York stands with you.’
He then added; ‘Tonight I have directed New York State law enforcement to remain vigilant in the wake of these senseless attacks.
‘The New York State Police, the New York State Intelligence Center and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services are actively monitoring the situation for any implications in New York State and remain in constant communication with their local and federal partners.

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