UN chief welcomes march in Paris against terrorism, extremism

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Sunday welcomed the march in Paris in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks, and in solidarity with the victims of terrorism across the world.

In a statement issued here by his spokesperson, Ban renewed his condolences to the families of the victims of the attacks on Charlie Hebdo magazine and a kosher supermarket , and of the policewoman who was murdered in Paris.

A massive march commenced Sunday afternoon in Paris with the participation of French President Francois Hollande and leaders from dozens of foreign countries.

Denouncing terrorism and extremist, more than a million French walk in the streets of the city in honor of the 17 victims killed during the three days of deadly terrorist attacks.

Staffan de Mistura, the Secretary-General's Special Envoy, represented the United Nations at the march and joined in expressing the organization's revulsion for terrorism.

Sunday's statement said Ban has been deeply moved by the images of the march and the displays of global solidarity over the past few days.

"He is strongly committed to the essential work of countering extremism, fighting anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, and upholding the rights to freedom of speech and expression," the statement said.

The Secretary-General called for "heightened efforts" to promote tolerance and understanding. "The world must address this violence and division in ways that do not exacerbate the problems and that ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law," Ban said.

In the aftermath of this week's events in Paris, Ban warned in particular against targeting Muslims for reprisals.

"Such unwarranted bias would only play into the hands of terrorist and contribute to the spiral of violence," he said. Endite