Don’t link Paris with refugee crisis - Zuma

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma yesterday cautioned against linking the Paris terror attacks with the refugee crisis in Europe.

Addressing the G20 summit in the Turkish city of Antalya‚ Zuma said that Friday’s “senseless” terrorist attacks did not mean every refugee was a terrorist.

“Refugees flocking to Europe in search of peace and a better life must not be labelled and ostracised as a result of this attack‚” he cautioned.

“Addressing the root causes of terrorism is critical in order to find lasting solutions. In this regard‚ collective global action against all forms of terrorism is imperative.

“This must be done under the auspices of the United Nations‚” he added.

He said South Africa joined the world in “strongly condemning the tragic and callous terror attacks in Paris. We stand with President Hollande and the French people.”

Turning to other issues of global importance‚ Zuma noted that the G20 meeting provided an opportunity to tackle issues related to inclusive growth and to respond to the economic crisis.

“As Brics [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa] we must respond innovatively to the global challenges arising from the economic crisis.

“We welcome the coming into operation of Brics financial institutions‚ notably the New Development Bank and its African Regional Centre, as well as the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.

“We remain committed to ensuring that the doors of the bank are open for business next year in order to disburse funding for its first projects‚” Zuma stated. — TMG Digital

● See also Page 8