The United States stands with the people of France in mourning the tragic loss of life in Paris, and we condemn, in the strongest terms, the terrorist attacks that shattered so many innocent lives. To the people of France: We grieve with you. We mourn alongside you. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones. Today and every day, we also remember those who perished during similar, heinous attacks at the Charlie Hebdo offices and kosher supermarket last January.
As President Obama stated, the attacks last Friday were not just an attack on Paris, but an attack on all humanity and the universal values we share, including the bonds of liberté, egalité, and fraternité. The United States and France are bound together by these timeless and democratic values.
As a mark of respect for the victims of these senseless acts of violence, President Obama issued a proclamation ordering that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff on all public buildings and facilities overseas until sunset on November 19. The United States has also reiterated its support to the French government in our shared fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
In September 2001, the day after the United States suffered its own horrific terrorist attacks, the newspaper Le Monde published a headline that resonated across the United States, as our citizens were reeling from disbelief and pain. It read, “Nous sommes tous Américains.”
Ambassador Roger-Lacan: “Aujourd’hui, nous sommes tous Français.” We will remain in solidarity with France and fight alongside you to uphold the universal values that bind our nations together as allies, partners, and friends.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the Special Permanent Council, Vienna
