2015-11-14

FROM THE HEAD OF THE RUSSIAN IMPERIAL HOUSE

The recent acts of terror in the skies over Egypt, in Paris, and in the neighbourhoods of Beirut, have shocked the entire world.

I and my son and heir, Grand Duke George of Russia, grieve deeply with our countrymen, and with the people of France and of Lebanon, we pray for the repose of the souls of those who have perished, and we express our deepest condolences to their families and friends.

Terrorism is an ungodly and inhuman act that can never have any justification. The villains who planned and carried out these massive and brutal massacres of innocent people must receive their just punishment.

But it must also be remembered that military operations, however appropriate and necessary they might be, cannot alone defeat terrorism or the underlying ideology that feeds it. It is necessary to resist firmly and steadfastly all attempts to glorify terrorism in whatever form it may take both in the past or today, to denounce its hideous nature, and to expose its ultimately fatal and self-destructive consequences.

In this effort all sensible and honourable people, regardless of their nationalities or their religious, social, or political differences, must be wholly united.

Mutual respect, a sincere desire to understand each other, cooperation in overcoming common problems facing all humanity—these things will not only destroy the deadly fruits of pseudo-religious, humanity-hating terroristic beliefs, they will pull up the plants from their cursed roots.

H.I.H. The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia

Madrid
November 1/14, 2015