SCOTLAND’s political leaders have sent a message of condolence to the people of Paris and appealed for Scots not to allow the terrorists to divide society.
First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon led the tributes in front of the Deputy French Consul Emiline Javierre in the Scottish Parliament.
She said the terrorists do not represent Islam or any religion.
She said: “They claim to be Muslim. Terrorism has no religion. It is a deep insult to the millions across the world who adhere to its values.”
Ms Sturgeon said Scotland must be united in its opposition to the terrorists.
She added: “We must resist the instinct to retreat or turn in on each other.”
She recognised people will demand to know government is doing all it can to prevent terrorists entering the country.
She said: “Today Scotland is welcoming refugees from Syria. People have every right to seek and receive assurances that robust checks are carried out and safety is not compromised.”
Kezia Dugdale, Labour leader said Scotland must welcome the refugees coming from Syria
She said: “We are a nation that considers all people to be born equal and deserving of respect, regardless of sexuality, gender, race, faith or disability.
“So when the first of the refugees from Syria arrive in Glasgow today let's welcome them with open and loving arms.”
Ruth Davidson, Conservative Leader said the values the terrorists want to crush must prevail.
She said: “We face an extremist ideology which hopes to divide us, Muslim from non-Muslim, secular from religious, in the hope that the gap becomes so wide that conflict is the only response.
“We cannot, must not let the extremists win. Rather, we must confront them, and show that those very freedoms they wish to crush, to wipe from our lives and our world, are freedoms we will not give up willingly.
“The plurality, diversity, creativity of free nations stand in stark contrast to those who would murder aid workers, throw gay men from buildings or stone women in the public square.”
Willie Rennie, Lib Dem leader, echoed Ms Sturgeon’s call to eject notions the terrorists represent Muslims.
He said: “These killers don’t represent the Muslim faith, Muslim countries or Muslim people. The killers only represent themselves.”
Patrick Harvie, Green leader, said: "These attacks are designed to provoke a backlash, to provoke the mindless reaction we’ve seen in parts of Scotland, to drive more disaffected and angry young people, who experience anti-Islamic prejudice every day, into the arms of the terrorists.
“We must deny them the backlash they seek.”
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