Baku strongly condemns terrorist attacks in Paris

/By AzerNews/

By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijan has strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Paris, which led to major loss of human lives.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev offered his condolences to French President Francois Hollande on November 14.

“We were deeply saddened by the news of the heavy loss of human lives and damage as a result of ruthless terrorist attacks in the city of Paris," President Aliyev remarked.

"We are extremely angered by this horrible incident, resolutely condemn terror, and comprehensively support the fight against all its manifestations,” the president emphasized.

He noted that in this difficult time, Azerbaijan’s thoughts are with the people of France.

“On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and myself, I extend my deepest condolences to you, the families, and the loved ones of those who died and the people of France, and wish for the speedy recovery of those injured,” the president said.

Gunmen and bombers attacked restaurants, a concert hall, and a sports stadium at different locations across Paris on November 13, killing at least 132 people in a deadly rampage that President Hollande called an unprecedented terrorist attack.

Four gunmen systematically slaughtered at least 87 young people attending a rock concert at the Bataclan music hall. Some 40 more people were killed in five other attacks in the Paris region, including an apparent double suicide bombing outside the national stadium, where President Hollande and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier were watching a friendly international soccer match. Some 200 people were injured.

First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and head of the Azerbaijani-French friendship group at the parliament, Mehriban Aliyeva, also sent a letter of condolence to President Hollande and the people of France over the terrorist attacks in Paris.

“I was deeply saddened by the news of the considerable loss of life as a result of the terrorist attacks in Paris,” Aliyeva said in her letter.

She further stated that terrorism that purposefully targets innocent people, democratic values, human rights, and freedom is a crime against humanity.

“I send my condolences and sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who died and the people of France and hope for the quick recovery of those injured,” she added.

Azerbaijan's foreign ministry also condemned the terror attacks on the French capital.

The ministry noted in a statement that it strongly condemned the heinous terror acts perpetrated in Paris that caused many deaths and injuries.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives due to these terror acts and reiterate our solidarity with the people of France. We also wish for the speedy recovery of the wounded,” according to the statement.

The ministry also stated that Azerbaijan, as a country reeling under the impact of terrorism, condemns all forms and manifestations of terrorism and firmly supports the efforts of the international community in the fight against terrorism.