French president urges ‘collective’, ‘firm’ response to terrorism

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AFP, Paris :
French President Francois Hollande urged the international community to offer a “firm” and “collective” response in the wake of last week’s attacks in Paris that claimed 17 lives.
Speaking to Paris-based ambassadors from around the world, Mr Hollande said: “Our response has to be firm in the face of terrorism. It can only be collective.”
“We are waging a war against it (terrorism), but not a war against a religion but a war against hate,” he said.
“The attacks in Paris are an insult to Islam,” stressed the President, reiterating that “Muslims are the main victims of terrorism.”
“The most lasting response is firm and unified action for peace and international security. Because unresolved conflicts are sources of inspiration for terrorists and areas of chaos are their training ground,” he told diplomats.
Mr Hollande took aim at Islamist movement Boko Haram, who he said were carrying out “crimes of humanity” in Nigeria.
“France must give more help to countries fighting this scourge,” he pledged.
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