Collective, Serious Efforts Needed to Fight against Terrorism

(FNA)- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a phone conversation with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi underscored the necessity for launching overall and serious fight against the terrorist groups.

During the phone talk on Saturday, some hours after the terrorist attacks in Paris killed over 150 people, President Rouhani stressed the need for collective efforts to strengthen campaign against terrorism, and reminded that Iran is also a victim of terrorist acts with 17,000 of its citizens killed by the terrorist grouplets.

"We know how much terrorist actions are disgusting and horrible but, meantime, we are sure that the terrorists will never be able to attain their goals vis a vis the determination of all nations and governments," the Iranian president who cancelled his planned visit to Italy and France after the Paris terrorist incidents said.

Renzi, for his part, emphasized that he understands the reason for President Rouhani's calling off visit to Rome, and said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran plays an important role in campaign against terrorism and we should fight against the terrorist groups in a united front and beside each other."

He also expressed the hope that President Rouhani's visit to Italy would take place as soon as possible.

In a relevant development today, President Rouhani in a message to his French counterpart François Hollande extended his condolences on the killing of people in a series of bombings and shootings in Paris, and reiterated the need for collective efforts to fight against terrorism.

"I, on behalf of the great Iranian nation, which itself has been one of the victims of the ominous phenomenon of terrorism, strongly condemn these anti-human crimes and extend my condolences to the bereaved nation and government of France," President Rouhani said in his message on Saturday morning.

He expressed deep regret over the killing and wounding of a large number of innocent people in Paris, and said, "Undoubtedly, the world's most important message in such events is more serious will and determination to launch overall fight against the terrorist groups."

Paris was rocked by a string of deadly attacks on Friday night, leaving at least 150 people dead in six locations around the city, in the deadliest violence to strike France since World War II.

President Hollande declared a state of emergency and ordered increased border checks.

The gunmen's motives were not immediately confirmed.