Serbian officials offer condolences in wake of Paris attacks

Serbian officials offer condolences in wake of Paris attacks

“Dear President Hollande, the barbaric terror that shook France on Friday evening Serbia sees as the greatest evil done to us as well. The dreadful news from Paris left us speechless, but you should know that, as always throughout history, we stand by France with fierce determination ready to offer help whenever needed,” Nikolic said.

“We mourn the innocent victims and pray for their souls as well as the healing of the wounded,” the Serbian president said.

Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic sent a telegram of condolences to French Prime Minister Manuel Valls on Saturday following a series of terrorist attacks in Paris, stressing that this was "an attack on all of us":

“We were appalled by the news of a series of terrorist attacks and deeply distressed over the death of such a big number of innocent people in Paris. This is an attack on all of us and all values of modern civilization."

“This crime should make the whole world be united and determined in taking steps against terrorism whose victims are mourned today by the citizens of France along with the citizens of Serbia and the entire world,” Vucic underlined, adding that the Serbian government offers strong and sincere support to the fight against terror.

Also on Saturday, Vucic announced that Serbia would lower flags to half-staff for the following three days in solidarity with France and its citizens.

He underlined in a statement for Radio and Television of Serbia that Serbia is "a small country, but that it will help as much as possible," and that he believes that the friendly people of France will manage to cope with the calamity that has befallen them.

“We are a small country, we cannot help a lot, but if there is anything we can do, we will be there. We offer full support to the French people and government in combating the greatest plague of the modern world - terrorism,” the prime minister said after signing a book of condolences at the French embassy in Belgrade.