On January 15, 2015, the OAS Permanent Council convened to approve the Declaration condemning the January 7 terrorist attacks in Paris, and expressing solidarity with the government and people of France.
In joining consensus to approve this declaration, the United States stands with the government and people of France as they confront again an outrageous act of terrorism and mourn the deaths of innocent victims at the hands of violent and cowardly extremists.
As Secretary of State Kerry noted: “They may wield weapons, but we in France and in the United States share a commitment to those who wield something that is far more powerful – not just a pen, but a pen that represents an instrument of freedom, not fear. Free expression and a free press are core values, they are universal values; principles that can be attacked but never eradicated, because brave and decent people around the world will never give in to the intimidation and the terror that those seeking to destroy those values employ.”
In his statement, President Obama underscored that “Time and again, the French people have stood up for the universal values that generations of our people have defended. France, and the great city of Paris where this outrageous attack took place, offer the world a timeless example that will endure well beyond the hateful vision of these killers.”
Madame Chair, the United States is firmly committed to stand alongside the government and people of France, and proudly supports this declaration underscoring our hemisphere’s expression of solidarity against this clear and direct assault on our freedoms and all of humanity.
Thank you, Madame Chair.
See Also: OAS Press Release
