Paris, Nov 14 (IANS) The international community has strongly condemned the Paris attacks on Friday that has reportedly killed over 100 people and injured many more in a series attacks across Paris on Friday, Xinhua reported.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned "the despicable terrorist attacks carried out today in various locations in and around Paris," and demanded "the immediate release of the numerous individuals reportedly being held hostage in the Bataclan theater," said a statement issued by Ban's spokesman.
"The secretary-general trusts that the French authorities will do all in their power to bring the perpetrators to justice quickly," said the statement.
A hostage situation is continuing at a concert hall in the French capital, reports said, adding that police believe terrorists are holding 100 hostages inside the venue.
French President Francois Hollande, evacuated from Stade de France, is in the Interior Ministry for an emergency meeting with Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve.
Hollande announced on Friday night that emergency state across France is declared and France will close its borders. He also said that "unprecedented terrorist attacks are ongoing in Paris."
British Prime Minister David Cameron on Friday said he was "deeply shocked" by the deadly attacks in Paris, offering "thoughts and prayers" to the French people.
"I am shocked by events in Paris tonight. Our thoughts and prayers are with the French people. We will do whatever we can to help," Cameron said via his Twitter account.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday evening that she was deeply shocked by the attacks in Paris and declared solidarity with France.
"I was deeply shocked by the news and images that we have got from Paris. My thoughts are in these hours with the victims of the attacks, their families, and all people in Paris," said Merkel in a statement.
US President Barack Obama on Friday condemned the deadly attacks currently still unfolding in Paris and said it was too early to determine who was behind those attacks.
Calling the attacks in and around Paris on Friday evening "an outrageous attempt to terrorize innocent civilians," Obama said the US stood ready to provide assistance for the French government.
He also said US officials were "in contact with French counterparts to communicate condolences to families of the victims".
