(No. 17 - January 12, 2011 - 1 p.m. ET) G8 countries condemn in the strongest terms the abduction and the cowardly murder of two French nationals. They commit to intensifying their efforts to bring an end to the abhorrent practice of hostage-taking.
They offer their condolences and express their deepest sympathy to the families of victims. They also present their condolences to the authorities of Niger, and to the families of the members of the security forces who have again paid a heavy toll to the fight against terrorism.
This barbaric act will only strengthen our common commitment to spare no effort to fight against terrorism which no motives can justify.
G8 countries stand committed, in cooperation with the entire international community, to combat and prevent terrorism and violent extremism and the conditions conducive to its spread.
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