OSCE PA President Ilkka KanervaCOPENHAGEN, 26 June 2015 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ilkka Kanerva (MP, Finland) today issued the following statement on the terrorist attacks in France, Tunisia and Kuwait:

“I am shocked and appalled by today’s terrorist attacks in France, Tunisia and Kuwait. On behalf of the more than 300 lawmakers of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to the governments and citizens of all three countries.

“These unjustifiable and cowardly acts have not only taken the lives of innocent bystanders, but represent a world view that is an affront to civilized society everywhere. They were also meant to sow fear and division within societies and the world at large. I call on all members of the international community to put differences aside in the face of this common threat. Indeed, it is only with solidarity and commitment to upholding basic human values, both within and beyond the OSCE area, that we will overcome the challenge of violent extremism.”

France is one of the OSCE’s 57 participating States. Tunisia is one of the OSCE’s six Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.