The North Atlantic Council condemns terrorist attacks in Paris

The North Atlantic Council, representing all NATO Allies, has strongly condemned Friday’s terrorist attacks in Paris. In a statement issued on Monday (16 November 2015), the Council called the barbaric attacks “an attack on our core values of freedom, democracy, and human rights.”

The Council expressed deepest condolences for the families of the victims, and “strong solidarity with the government and the people of France in their unwavering determination to deal with the terrorist threat.” Allies said they were more determined than ever to counter and defeat terrorism and extremism. The Council further noted that a number of Allies are working with France on their ongoing operations and investigations.

“These attacks are meant to terrify, but they will only strengthen our resolve. Terrorism and extremism can never defeat democracy and our open societies,” the Council said.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg delivered the Council’s statement following a minute of silence held at noon at NATO Headquarters. Allied Ambassadors, together with the NATO International Staff, International Military Staff, and national delegations gathered to pay tribute to the victims and in solidarity with France.

Prior to the moment of silence, Secretary General Stoltenberg signed a book of condolences for the victims of the attacks at the French Delegation to NATO. “My deepest condolences… terrorism will never defeat democracy,” Mr Stoltenberg wrote. At the signing ceremony, the Secretary General was received by Ambassador Jean-Baptiste Mattéi, France’s Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Council.

NATO and all Allied flags continue to fly at half-mast at NATO Headquarters.

Read the North Atlantic Council’s full statement here