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No reports of Singaporeans directed affected by Paris attacks so far: MFA

SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Singapore embassy in Paris have contacted the majority of registered Singaporeans in Paris to check on their safety following the terrorist attacks. There are no reports of Singaporeans directed affected by the attacks so far, the MFA said in a 10.30pm update today (Nov 14).

A woman holds a flag of France during a gathering in solidarity for France a day after deadly attacks in Paris on November 14, 2015 in Stockholm. Two Swedish citizens may be among the victims of the attacks that killed more than 120 people in Paris, the foreign ministry said. Photo: AFP

A woman holds a flag of France during a gathering in solidarity for France a day after deadly attacks in Paris on November 14, 2015 in Stockholm. Two Swedish citizens may be among the victims of the attacks that killed more than 120 people in Paris, the foreign ministry said. Photo: AFP

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SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Singapore embassy in Paris have contacted the majority of registered Singaporeans in Paris to check on their safety following the terrorist attacks. There are no reports of Singaporeans directed affected by the attacks so far, the MFA said in a 10.30pm update today (Nov 14).

The ministry will continue to contact the remaining handful of registered Singaporeans until all are accounted for. The embassy is in contact with the French authorities for any updates.

In a post on his Facebook page, Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said he had spoken to Singapore’s ambassador to France and asked for assistance to be rendered to Singaporeans wherever necessary.

Dr Balakrishnan expressed horror at the attacks on the “beautiful city with warm cheerful hospitable people”.

“We must not let the terrorists divide us or destroy our spirit. I know the French spirit will prevail,” he said.

In a separate statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) this morning (Nov 14), it said Singapore strongly condemns the multiple terrorist attacks in Paris and hopes for a speedy resolution to the crisis.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims on their tragic loss.

“We stand in solidarity with France in this difficult time and will assist to bring those responsible to justice.

“These brutal acts of terror are another reminder of the need to remain vigilant and work closely to combat terrorism and counter violent extremism,” the statement said.

MFA urged Singaporeans residing in and travelling to Paris to stay indoors, monitor local news, and heed the instructions of the local authorities. They should also register with the Singapore Embassy on the MFA website.

In a media statement, the Singapore Management University (SMU) also said that all 70 of its students, who are in France for international student exchange programmes, have all been accounted for and are safe.

"Singapore Management University staff have reached out to our students who are in France as well as their families in Singapore," said an SMU spokesperson. 

According to the spokesperson, 35 of the students are studying in or near Paris. They have been advised to stay vigilant and remain in regular contact with their families as well as the Singapore Consulate.  They have also been reminded to follow the latest updates and instructions of the Consulate, and the university at which they are on exchange.

"We will continue to stay in regular contact with our students to monitor their situation.  Their safety remains the University’s top priority, and we will provide the best possible assistance to them accordingly," said the spokesperson.

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