PNG PM joins world leaders to condemn terrorist attack in France

Papua New Guinea has joined the rest of the world in condemning last Friday’s terrorist attack in France which claimed the lives of at least 129 people. Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill in a statement at the weekend extended his sympathies and condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea to the Government and the people of France. Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said he, like world leaders, was shocked and outraged at the senseless loss of lives and appealed to the global community to work together to deal with this continuing threat. He pledged the Government’s support through the Foreign Affairs and Immigration Department and the PNG Embassy in Brussels, Belgium, to work with French authorities to seek information if any PNG citizens are involved.

"This is a horrific loss of human life in most outrageous circumstances," the Prime Minister said as the situation continues to unfold in Paris. The prayers of Papua New Guineans are with the people of France as we watch and hope that there will not be further loss of life," he said. "There are no words that can truly describe the outrage we feel at seeing these acts of brutality. "The global community of peaceful nations must work together to deal with this continuing threat. "This must be hard at many levels to police and apprehend people who are involved with committing such acts, and to deal with the root causes that drive people to extremism."