Iran's Rouhani condoles with France on terrorist attacks

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Sat 14 Nov 2015 - 09:20

TEHRAN (ISNA)- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani extended condolences to his French counterpart Francois Hollande over the recent terrorist attack and hostage taking in France and stressed comprehensive efforts to fight terrorism.

In a message to Hollande, Rouhani expressed sympathy with French nation and government over the deadly terrorist attack which claimed lives of dozens of citizens.

"In the name of Iranian great nation which is one of the victims of ominous phenomenon of terrorism, I categorically condemn inhuman crimes and extended condolences to the mourning French nation and government," Rouhani said in his message.

He reiterated that serious will and resolute of global leaders to fight terrorism is the most important message of the world in such events.

About 160 people have been killed and over 200 others injured in the French capital Paris in the deadliest attacks to hit the country since the Second World War.

According to French media on Friday night, nearly 120 people, who had been held hostage by gunmen at the Bataclan concert hall in central Paris, were killed. Witnesses say the terrorists were shooting for 10 to 15 minutes. Officials said eights of the attackers were killed, including three of them who blew themselves up. About 40 other people were reportedly killed in other attacks across Paris.

The assailants also opened fire at the Petit Cambodge restaurant in the city's 10th district, killing four people.

According to the French Liberation daily, at least 100 rounds were also fired at La Belle Equipe cafe in the 11th district.

Three explosions near Stade de France, the country's national stadium just north of Paris, left several people dead and injured.

At the time of the explosions, French President Francois Hollande was present at the stadium, where France were hosting Germany, but he was evacuated to safety before holding crisis talks with Prime Minister Manuel Valls and Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve at the Interior Ministry building.

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