Friday night in Paris the peoples of the free world were attacked by terrorists. We all expressed our solidarity but words are not enough. Today, it is time to act. I have spoken to President Hollande who was clear that France expects deeds. We therefore call on all G20 leaders to show full determination in our fight against terror.
Here at the G20 we have a special responsibility. There is no better forum in which to address terrorist financing. Terror networks cannot plan or operate without the money that moves through the financial systems of many countries. Only if we fully cooperate on exchange of information about suspicious transactions, will we be able to stop this threat effectively.
Fighting terrorism is not only about stopping the financial flows. It is also about operations on the ground, such as in Syria. If we are to be honest we need to state one thing clearly. It was not the moderate Syrian opposition that carried out the attacks in Paris. It was the so-called Islamic State or Da'esh. I will appeal to every one of the G20 leaders to concentrate their actions on Da'esh. They are the real enemy of the free world, not the moderate Syrian opposition.
We are also in the midst of a refugee crisis with millions of people running from their homes, escaping terrorists and brutal regimes. Today it is high time to recognise that it is a global crisis, which requires a global solution. We therefore call on the G20 leaders to develop a coordinated response, both to the short term needs and the root causes. We do not ask our partners to do more than Europe does but we ask the international community not to do less. All G20 countries should share the responsibilities associated with this crisis. Solidarity should be at the core of our decisions.
Finally, let me appeal to all world leaders that we meet in Paris for the COP 21 Climate Conference. We must demonstrate that the world is united in our fight against climate change but also show solidarity against terrorism. Our presence in Paris should be a sign that the world is not intimidated. Here I call on all world leaders with no exception. Thank you.
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2015/11/15-tusk-remarks-ahead-g20/