“Together with the whole international community, we are deeply shocked by the series of terrorist attacks carried out in Paris on Friday. We strongly condemn this act of barbarity on an unprecedented scale,” the Polish Foreign Ministry wrote in a statement.
“We express our sincere condolences to the close ones of the victims and our solidarity with the people and authorities of France. Our thoughts in these difficult moments are with those who have been wounded in the attacks and with the inhabitants of Paris and all of France.”
“Condolences to the French people especially families of the victims. We are with you in prayer and grief,” tweeted Polish President Andrzej Duda.
The newly-appointed Prime Minister of Poland, Beata Szydło also expressed her grief. “I convey condolences to the French people. We must be together in these moments!,” Szydło tweeted.
She also appealed to the French Ambassador in Poland, Pierre Buhler, that once she “takes over the Prime Minister's office, [she] guarantees cooperation on mutual protection of safety in Europe.”
Events of terror
At least six terrorist attacks shocked the French capital on Friday. The worst hit was popular nightclub Le Bataclan which was hosting a rock concert by US band Eagles of Death Metal.
As many as 1,200 people were inside the venue when terrorists took over the club. According to eyewitnesses on the scene, the masked gunmen started a methodical killing spree shooting people one by one. Initial reports indicate that around 80 people died in the club alone.
Another attack was held at the Stade de France where around three bombs went off. Police say four people were killed at the scene. At the time, a friendly football game between France and Germany was being played.
The game was attended by French President Francois Hollande, who was rushed out of the stadium for a debriefing at the nearby Interior Ministry.
At a later press conference, Hollande said the country would be on high alert and that all borders would be closely watched.
Extreme care recommended
Flights from the Warsaw Chopin airport to Paris were operating as normal on Saturday morning, although tourists were encouraged to take their passport despite the fact that both Poland and France are in the Schengen zone.
The Foreign Ministry has appealed to Poles to keep updated over the Twitter channel @PlenFrance, and to call +33680580220 in case of emergencies. (rg/rk)