PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill condemns France terrorist attack

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill  has condemned the tragic loss of life that has occurred in the series of terrorist attack in France over the last few days.

Prime Minister O'Neill  conveyed heartfelt sympathy on behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea to the people of France at this difficult time.
“We are shocked and saddened by the attack that occurred in Paris on Wednesday that was followed by hostage situations overnight,” Prime Minister O’Neill said.

“In a world that today seems so full of violence, the thoughts and prayers of Papua New Guineans are with the families of the victims of these attacks, and with the French people at this time of distress and deep sadness.”

The Prime Minister said the attack at the start of the crisis on the office of the magazine Charlie Hebdo was particularly alarming and has deep implications for freedom of expression around the world.

“I know our media fraternity in Papua New Guinea will be acutely aware of this horrific attack, and will lament the tragic loss of their international colleagues.

“Free speech underpins our way of life in free countries.

“These are terrible and callous acts of violence and we hope that perpetrators who remain at large are brought to justice as soon as is possible,” said PM O’Neill.

Meanwhile, security forces with explosions and gunfire yesterday ended three days of terror around Paris, killing the two al-Qaida-linked brothers who staged a murderous rampage at a satirical newspaper and an accomplice who seized hostages at a kosher supermarket to try to help the brothers escape.

The worst terrorist violence France has seen in decades killed at least 20 people, including the three gunmen. A fourth suspect — the common law wife of the market attacker – was still at large and believed to be armed.

Al-Qaida’s branch in Yemen said it directed the attack against the publication Charlie Hebdo to avenge the honor of the Prophet Muhammad, a frequent target of the weekly’s satire.

The brothers were not unknown to authorities: One had a terrorism-related conviction for ties to a network sending fighters to battle American forces in Iraq, and both were on the U.S. no-fly list, according to a U.S. official.

President Francois Hollande urged his nation to remain united and vigilant, and the city shut down a famed Jewish neighborhood amid fears of more violence.

“The threats facing France are not finished,” Hollande said. “We are a free people who cave to no pressure.”