Appeal of the Belarusan National Platform of the Eastern Partnership CSF in view of attacks in Paris

Belarusan National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum calls upon all civilized countries to unite in standing for democratic values and counteraction to wanton, savage terrorism.

Appeal of the Belarusan National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum “On account of terrorist attacks in the capital of France”

15.11.2015

To the French Embassy in Belarus

To the EU Delegation in Belarus

We, representatives of civil society organizations of the Republic of Belarus, united within the frames of the Belarusan National Platform of the Civil Society Forum express our deepest condolences to the French Republic, which citizens in the evening of November 13 suffered from a series of monstrous impertinent terrorist attacks in the very heart of the state, in its capital – in Paris.

These days we, together with your country, endure this tragedy, looking at the images of the current news and mourning for the victims and the injured – civilian residents of France. We want to send our support to the whole French community and especially to those, who personally encountered the tragedy. Be courageous, don’t let it break you down and scare you!

Not only Parisian civilians were cynically attacked, but also those values that we all deeply share – freedom, equality, democracy, humanism, and, first of all, human life, which is the absolute supreme value in itself.

Today we call upon all civilized countries to unite in standing up for democratic values and counteraction to wanton and savage terrorism.

We share concerns of the French government and express deep understanding and support of the security measures taken in connection with a series of attacks, since the government should secure its citizens in such situations.

We call upon the European Union, countries-partners of France in fight with the terroristic groups to take adequate security measures for protection of their citizens. However, these measures shouldn’t lead to fomentation of national strife, growth of xenophobia, radicalism, and discrimination and oppression of refugees and national minorities in European countries. Otherwise, the goals of terrorists will be reached.

We believe that the civilized world will be able to unite around this tragedy and protect their communities, citizens, and values. It is very important to do it not by escalating violence or concussions to terrorists, but thanks to solidary and sensible actions in the interests of human rights and our peoples.

Belarusan civil society organizations, participants of the Belarusan National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum