Ukraine has been shocked by the horrible terrorist act that took place in the Charlie Hebdo magazine Paris headquarters killing journalists and police officers. We express our deepest condolences to the relatives of the deceased.

Ukraine is keenly aware of the phenomenon of terrorism having to fight today against well organized terrorist groups in Donbas. We are firmly convinced that no motives - either political or ethnic or religious - may serve as justification for those who profess to have the right to take human lives.

It is especially abhorrent that this crime was committed against journalists. Freedom of speech - as one of the cornerstones of democracy - may not be put into question under any circumstances. Likewise, no professional journalistic opinion may become the reason for persecution, let alone physical violence.

We hope that the perpetrators and masterminds of this terrible murder will be brought to justice and dealt a   severe punishment.

We call upon the international community to unite in the fight against terrorism - no matter which slogans they use or whichever goals they pursue.