How International Community reacted to Charlie Hebdo Attack?

Paris:  The entire International Community expressed shock and solidarity with the victims of the Charlie  Hebdo Genocide and condemned the people behind the attacks. Leaders of various countries issued statements representing their country’s response to the attack. Below we enlist some of the major reactions issued so far:

Argentina – The Argentine Government strongly condemned the attack in a statement released by the Foreign Ministry. President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner added: “The Government and people of Argentina emphatically condemn the barbaric terrorist attack that took place today in the French capital. We send our profound condolences to the people of France, especially to the families of the victims.” It was further stated that, “Argentina remains with a steadfast commitment to peace with the hope that stronger international cooperation will help fight the scourge of terrorism in all of its forms.”

Armenia – Minister of Foreign Affairs Eduard Nalbandyan issued a press release, saying, “We strongly condemn terrorist act committed at the office of ‘Charlie Hebdo’ magazine in Paris” and added that “such appalling actions of extremists has no justification whatsoever and once again prove the necessity of wider solidarity in the international community’s fight against terrorism.” The Armenian Government also expressed their “condolences and support to the people, authorities of friendly France, editorial staff of ‘Charlie Hebdo’ magazine, and the relatives of the victims.”

Australia – Prime Minister Tony Abbott offered his condolences, saying, “The government condemns the atrocity in Paris overnight. The thoughts of all Australians are with the families of those who have lost their lives in this barbaric act. Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of a free society.”

Belgium – Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders was shocked and disgusted by the attack, calling it “[a] barbarous attack at the heart of Europe.” He expressed his sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to the people of France. He further regarded the terrorist act as “[a]n attack against freedom of expression, a precious fundamental freedom which we must continue to defend.” A national security assessment within Belgium was also ordered by Prime Minister Charles Michel in response to the attack.

Brazil – President Dilma Rousseff expressed outrage and remorse, “It is with deep regret and indignation that I learned today of the bloody and intolerable attack on Charlie Hebdo. I wish to extend my condolences to the families of the victims during this time of pain and suffering. I also want extend our government’s solidarity to the French people on behalf of the entire Brazilian nation.”

Canada – Prime Minister Stephen Harper described the attack as an act of barbaric violence and further added that, “Canada and its allies will not be intimidated and will continue to stand firmly together against terrorists who would threaten the peace, freedom and democracy our countries so dearly value. Canadians stand with France on this dark day.”

China – Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said “We are deeply shocked at the terrorist attack and strongly condemn it. The Chinese side firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and supports the efforts made by the French side to safeguard domestic security.”

Colombia – The Government of Colombia, under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a press release condemning the attack against Charlie Hebdo and declared it as an act of terrorism. The Colombian Government also lamented the attack and called France “a partner and friend of Colombia”, while also defending life and the freedom of speech as “inviolable universal rights”.

Croatia – President Ivo Josipovic and Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic condemned the shooting.

Denmark – Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt noted, “Completely defenceless and innocent people became the victims of what appears to be an attack on free speech. The French society, like ours, is open, democratic and based on a free and critical press. Those are values that are deeply rooted in all of us, and which we shall protect. It is also those very values that make France a strong society that can withstand an attack like this.”

Egypt – Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry offered his condolences on behalf of Egypt, saying, “Egypt stands by France in confronting terrorism, an international phenomenon that targets the world’s security and stability and which requires co-ordinated international efforts to eradicate.”

European Union – The European Union leadership condemned the attack and expressed its solidarity with France. Newly appointed European Council President Donald Tusk expressed his shock at the shooting and said, “The European Union stands beside France after this appalling act. It is a brutal attack against our fundamental values and against the freedom of expression, a pillar of our democracy. The fight against terrorism in all its forms must continue unabated.”

Germany – Chancellor Angela Merkel called the attack an abhorrent act, and added that it was “[n]ot just an attack on the life of French citizens and the internal security of France. It also represents an attack on freedom of opinion and of the press, (an attack on) a core element of our free and democratic culture, [an attack] for which there can be no justification.”

India – President Pranab Mukherjee condemned the terrorist attack and said, “Terror and violence have no place in any corner of the world. The world community must unite to root out terror from every country and society.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered further condolences, saying, “Our solidarity with [the] people of France. My thoughts are with [the] families of those who lost their lives.”

Iran – The Iranian spokeswoman of the Foreign Ministry Marzieh Afkham condemned the attack and said that “any terrorist action against innocent humans is against the teachings of Islam”.
Ireland – Taoiseach Enda Kenny condemned the “brutal and horrific killings” and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. He described the incident as “a direct attack on the basic values of freedom of speech and of tolerance.”

Israel – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack as “brutal act of savagery” and sent condolences to the French people. He stressed that the free world must unite against Islamic terrorism. Foreign Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman also sent condolences to the victims’ families, and said, “Israel sympathizes with France’s pain. The world must not allow terrorists to intimidate the free world and the West is obligated to stand united and determined against this threat”.

Italy – Prime Minister Matteo Renzi expressed a feeling of horror and dismay regarding the attack. He offered his best wishes to the people of France and noted his close relationships with President François Hollande and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. “Violence will always lose against freedom and democracy,” he added. He was later invited to the French embassy, where he declared, “We are all French, because we think freedom is the only ‘raison d’etre’ of Europe and European citizens.”

Mexico – Mexico’s Secretariat of Foreign Affairs condemned the attacks and stated that all Mexico rejects all forms and manifestations of terrorism. It offered its condolences to the French government and its citizens, as well as to the victims’ families. President Enrique Peña Nieto also offered his condolences through Twitter.

Monaco – Prince Albert II said, “On my own behalf and on behalf of my family and the people of Monaco, I want to express our dismay at such barbarity.”

Morocco – In a message to President Hollande, King Mohammed VI sent his sincere condolences to families of the victims, and the whole French population, condemning the attack as a “heinous act”.

New Zealand – Prime Minister John Key has strongly condemned the violent attack, saying “The targeting of journalists going about their daily work is an attack on the fourth estate and the democratic principles of freedom of speech and expression, which must be strongly condemned.”

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) – the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, representing 57 Muslim-majority nations, condemned the attack, saying it went against Islam’s principles and values.
Poland – Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz stated that the attack was aimed at Europe’s most basic values such as democracy and freedom of speech. She also expressed condolences to the families and relatives of the victims.
Portugal – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered their sincerest condolences, saying, “We strongly condemn the violent attack that took place today in Paris and we deeply lament the loss of life. We are closely monitoring the situation from the Embassy of Portugal in Paris. Our consulate general will be in constant contact with the French authorities.”

Romania – Prime Minister Victor Ponta declared that he was “deeply shocked” by the events. Ponta, President Klaus Iohannis, and the Romanian Information Service (SRI) met to discuss about the attack.

Russia – President Vladimir Putin said, “We decisively condemn this cynical crime. We reaffirm our readiness to continue active co-operation in combating the threat of terrorism.”

Serbia – Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic offered deepest condolences, saying, “We are terrified by this event, but we are confident that France and the great French civilisation, known for its tolerance, will know how to deal with the threat that terrorism carries. The Republic of Serbia will, with all its capacities, help the fight against terrorism, the world’s greatest scourge. The French Republic can always count on friendly and sincere support of the Republic of Serbia.”

Spain – President Mariano Rajoy condemned the attack, which was described as barbaric, sent his condolences and solidarity to the victims’ families and the French people. He said, “They will not be able to destroy the most sacred that we human beings have, that is, our rights and our freedoms. France has the solidarity and affection of the Spanish people, and the cooperation of our government in the fight against terrorism.”

Sweden – Prime Minister Stefan Löfven condemned the attack, calling it “a disgusting attack against the democratic foundations”, and “an attack that emphasises our responsibility to always stand up for the freedom of the press and freedom of expression”.

Turkey – Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu sent his condolences to the people of France and added, “We condemn terrorism in the strongest manner. We stand with the people of France. Terrorism has no religion, nationality or a value it represents. Terrorism is a crime against humanity and can in no way be justified.” Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Yalçin Akdogan also made a statement condemning the shooting.

United Kingdom – Prime Minister David Cameron told the House of Commons, “This House and this country stand united with the French people in our opposition to all forms of terrorism and we stand squarely for free speech and democracy. These people will never be able to take us off those values.” Queen Elizabeth II also sent “sincere condolences”.

United Nations – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced his outrage at the shooting, which he called “despicable”, and described it as a “horrendous, unjustifiable and cold-blooded crime”.
United States – President Barack Obama called the shootings horrific, while offering his support, saying, “France is America’s oldest ally, and has stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States in the fight against terrorists who threaten our shared security and the world. Time and again, the French people have stood up for the universal values that generations of our people have defended. France, and the great city of Paris, where this outrageous attack took place, offer the world a timeless example that will endure well beyond the hateful vision of these killers.” United States Secretary of State John Kerry, who has deep family ties to France, also said that the U.S. was standing in solidarity with France and offered assistance in confronting extremism.

Vatican City – Vatican press director Father Federico Lombardi stated, “The Holy Father expresses his firmest condemnation of the horrible attack. Whatever its motivation might be, homicidal violence is abominable and is never justified.” Pope Francis also added that attacks undermine “the fundamental good of peaceful coexistence of people despite national, religious and cultural differences”.