LINE

Text:AAAPrint
Politics

World leaders condemn Paris attacks

1
2015-11-17 08:48China Daily Editor: Wang Fan

World leaders attending the G20 summit in Antalya, Turkey, condemned in a joint statement on Monday the "heinous" terrorist attacks in Paris. [Special coverage]

They reaffirmed that "terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group".

"We remain united in combating terrorism," the statement said.

"The spread of terrorist organizations and significant rise globally in acts of terrorism directly undermine the maintenance of international peace and security and endanger our ongoing efforts to strengthen the global economy and ensure sustainable growth and development," the statement said.

Meanwhile, China urged the international community to form a "united front" to combat terrorism under the leadership of the United Nations.

The appeal was made by Foreign Minister Wang Yi at an informal luncheon with his counterparts at the G20 summit on Sunday

"The UN's leading role should be brought into full play to combat terrorism, and a united front in this regard should be formed," Wang said.

He was speaking after the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for Friday night's terrorist attacks in Paris that left scores dead and hundreds injured.

"China is also a victim of terrorism, and cracking down on the East Turkestan Islamic Movement should become an important part of the international fight against terrorism," Wang added.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei quoted the minister as saying a political settlement to the Syrian crisis has reached a new phase.

The parties concerned have agreed to set up an interim administration within six months, hold a national election and redraft a constitution within 18 months, as an outcome of a recent foreign ministers' meeting.

Wang said the key is implementation.

President Xi Jinping - also in Antalya for the G20 summit - called for the world not to adopt "double standards" in tackling terrorism. Wang echoed the president's remarks in his speech.

Pang Zhongying, dean of the School of Global Studies at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, said Wang's call for a "united front" maybe a chance for China, the United States and European countries to reduce their differences and enhance cooperation on fighting terrorism.

Liu Xuecheng, a researcher of US studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said the foreign minister's comments on the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and "double standards" may be interpreted as a response to the political stances of Western countries, especially France, following fatal attacks by terrorists on civilians in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

"They (some Western countries) want China to fight IS and al-Qaida, but when terrorists attack in Xinjiang and kill civilians, they just say they (terrorists) are seeking human rights," Liu said. "That doesn't make sense."

  

Related news

MorePhoto

Most popular in 24h

MoreTop news

MoreVideo

News
Politics
Business
Society
Culture
Military
Sci-tech
Entertainment
Sports
Odd
Features
Biz
Economy
Travel
Travel News
Travel Types
Events
Food
Hotel
Bar & Club
Architecture
Gallery
Photo
CNS Photo
Video
Video
Learning Chinese
Learn About China
Social Chinese
Business Chinese
Buzz Words
Bilingual
Resources
ECNS Wire
Special Coverage
Infographics
Voices
LINE
Back to top Links | About Us | Jobs | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
Copyright ©1999-2018 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.