UPDATE: An Australian teen has been confirmed as being shot during the attacks, and is recovering in a Paris hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Speaking out this morning in the wake of the fatal attacks across Paris, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says no Australians have been confirmed killed in Paris, and pledged our nation’s support to France in days and weeks to come.
Bishop, in Perth, said that she has consulted with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who is currently in Berlin. She said there are around 2500 Australians registered as being in France, but that the actual number is likely to be higher.
While none have been reported as hurt, Bishop acknowledged that the situation remains uncertain, saying:
“The death toll is rising, the situation is very fluid. The siege at the [Bataclan] Concert Hall has just ended. I understand it was a rock concert, it was anticipated that many Europeans would be at this concert. The concert hall has a capacity of perhaps up 1500, I understand that when the two two terrorists entered, many people were able to escape but not all. So the circumstances have been absolutely tragic and horrifying.”
She went on to say that that the attacks constitute “a black Friday for France and the world,” adding:
“This is a time of great trial and trauma for the people of France, for its government, and its security forces. The Australian government extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in these horrific attacks that have occurred in Paris overnight … We have offered all assistance to the French authorities, and we stand in solidarity with the French people in condemning these horrific and devastating attacks.”
Bishop urged Australians in France to “stay put, stay safe” and told anyone with concerns to contact the consulate on 1300 555 135, or 61 2 6261 3305 if overseas.
Elsewhere in the world, US President Barack Obama has condemned the attacks, calling them “an outrageous attempt to terrorise innocent civilians” and vowing to help bring the perpetrators to justice.
He refused to speculate as to who is responsible, but said:
“Those who think that they can terrorise the people of France or the values that they stand for are wrong. Whenever these kinds of attacks happen, we’ve always been able to count on the French people to stand with us. They have been an extraordinary counter-terrorism partner. And we intend to be there with them in that same fashion. We stand prepared and ready to provide whatever assistance the government and people of France need to respond.”
In New York, the One World Trade Centre building has lit up with the colours of the French flag in solidarity:
One World Trade Center ???? pic.twitter.com/PkhthDMHDQ
— Jon Swaine (@jonswaine) November 14, 2015
