Xi condemns “barbaric act” in Paris
November 14, 2015, 4:55 am

Policemen patrol near an attacked restaurant in Paris, France, Nov. 13, 2015. Over 100 people have been reportedly killed and many more wounded in a series of what appear to be coordinated attacks across Paris late Friday [Xinhua]

“At the sorrowful moment of the French people, I, on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, and personally, condemn in the strongest terms the barbaric acts,” Xi said in a message of condolences to his French counterpart, Francois Hollande.

At least 140 people were killed during the shootings and explosions in Paris and its suburbs, Prosecutor of Paris Francois Molins announced early Saturday. More than 200 are injured, 80 of them seriously, authorities said earlier.

A Paris city hall official said gunmen systematically slaughtered nearly 100 people attending a rock concert at the Bataclan music hall.

AFP cited “a source close to the investigation” as confirming that all 8 attackers were killed, 7 of them in suicide bombings.

In his message, Chinese President Xi expressed deep condolences for the victims.

China is “willing to work with France and the international community to enhance cooperation in security, fight terrorism and ensure safety of people in all countries”, Xi was quoted by Chinese agency Xinhua.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called the attacks in Paris “inhumane”.

“Russia strongly condemns this inhumane killing and is ready to provide any and all assistance to investigate these terrorist crimes,” a Kremlin statement quoted Putin.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in the UK on a state visit, said Indians are united with the French in mourning the tragedy.

“News from Paris is anguishing and dreadful. Prayers with families of the deceased. We are united with people of France in this tragic hour,” said Modi.

French President Francois Hollande declared a state of emergency soon after the attacks. The French government raised the anti-terrorism alert to the highest level and deployed thousands of additional security forces across the country.

Hollande has cancelled his trip to Turkey to attend the G20 leaders summit.

“To all those who have seen these awful things, I want to say we are going to lead a war which will be merciless,” Hollande said at the scene of the attack at the Bataclan hall where the Californian rock group Eagles of Death Metal was performing.

TBP and Agencies