STATEMENT OF FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER AFFAIRS LE DRIAN AFTER BARCELONA ATTACK

USPA NEWS - It is with deep emotion that I learned the record of the attack committed in Barcelona and claimed by Daech. I condemn it in the strongest terms. Twenty-six French were wounded, at least eleven seriously. My thoughts go to those compatriots and their loved ones, to whom I express my sympathy in this painful moment. I will go to Barcelona to visit the French victims of this cowardly act and to ensure the support of France's people and the Spanish authorities, Jean Yves le Drian, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated. The French Minister made this stemming following the deadly terrorist attack in the city of Barcelona which claimed 13 lives and injured many others. The attack was claimed by ISIS.

“It is with deep emotion that I learned the record of the attack committed in Barcelona and claimed by Daech. I condemn it in the strongest terms. Twenty-six French were wounded, at least eleven seriously. My thoughts go to those compatriots and their loved ones, to whom I express my sympathy in this painful moment. I will go to Barcelona to visit the French victims of this cowardly act and to ensure the support of France's people and the Spanish authorities" Jean Yves le Drian, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated  "Since the announcement of the attack, I had asked for the opening of a crisis cell at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs in order to take stock of the safety of our compatriots in Barcelona and to respond to their relatives . Its agents have been mobilized all night and have so far received more than 3,200 calls. The cell remains open and the telephone answer is maintained. In Barcelona, “‹“‹our Consulate General, in liaison with the Spanish authorities, is making every effort to provide the necessary support to the French people affected by this attack. In order to respond to the emergency, I asked that health professionals be dispatched to the site. The former arrive today to provide psychological support and assist the families of the victims. Additional reinforcements are provided. Jean Yves le Drian, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, continues  "The safety of our fellow citizens abroad is an absolute priority for which the agents of the Ministry and its French diplomatic and consular network are engaged on a daily basis. I thank all those who have mobilized immediately and with dedication in Barcelona, “‹“‹Madrid and Paris to assist the victims and their families." Jean Yves le Drian, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, concluded. According to the French Foreign Affairs Ministry, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian and Ms. Nathalie Loiseau keep up-to-date on developments. They express their solidarity with the victims as well as with the Spanish authorities and people." Our Consulate General in Barcelona is mobilized and in constant contact with the local authorities. An emergency number has been set up, with the support of the crisis center of the Ministry: +34 93 270 30 35. French residents in Barcelona or passing through are invited to avoid the sector and to reassure as soon as possible Their relatives in order to avoid the congestion of the emergency numbers. A crisis unit has also been opened in Paris and can be reached at the following number: 01 43 17 51 00 Source: French Foreign Affairs Ministry