OSCE Chairperson Steinmeier and Secretary General Zannier condemn senseless and horrific violence in Orlando

VIENNA / BERLIN, 13 June 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier together expressed shock and deep sorrow regarding the deadly attack in Orlando.  

“We condemn such senseless violence in the strongest possible terms. Our thoughts go out to the families, relatives and friends of those killed. We wish those who were injured in the attack a speedy recovery,” said Steinmeier.

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier stressed: “We believe that tolerance and non-discrimination are indispensable to create and uphold democratic and free societies. Heinous acts of terror – such as the one witnessed in Orlando – will not weaken, but actually strengthen our determination to defend these principles that lie at the basis of the OSCE. We will stand firm in fighting hatred and intolerance, and defending the rights and freedoms of all. We must undertake every effort to ensure all our citizens’ safety in the face of such unjustifiable violence.”

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier expressed his firm condemnation of this horrific terror attack. “We must denounce hate and violence no matter whom it targets. We must stay strong and redouble our efforts in fighting for the fundamental values of equality, and a world free of terror.”