Iran condemns Paris attack but blames Western policies

TEHRAN: Iran sent its condolences on Friday over the latest militant attack in Paris, but said France was feeling the blowback from its 'concessions' towards "brutal terrorists" in Syria, state media reported.



Foreign ministry spokesperson Bahram Ghasemi condemned Thursday night's shooting that killed a policeman on the world-famous Champs Elysees avenue and expressed sympathy with the French people, the ISNA news agency reported. But he added: "Unfortunately, concessions and at times supportive actions for brutal terrorists indicate a double standard by the Western world in dealing with terrorism, and have made terrorists bolder."



Iran has repeatedly accused Western governments of directly or indirectly supporting militants through their backing for rebels fighting to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Shia-majority Iran strongly supports Assad against militants such as the Islamic State group, which claimed responsibility for Thursday's attack.

It labels all rebels fighting against Assad's forces as 'terrorists'.
"Once again we reiterate that terrorism is the first and most urgent danger for peace, stability and global security," Ghasemi said.