UN condemns terrorist attacks in Paris

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the United Nations Security Council have condemned the "despicable" terrorist attacks carried out on Friday in various locations in and around Paris.

Ban has demanded the immediate release of the numerous individuals reportedly being held hostage in the Bataclan theatre, in a statement issued by his spokesperson.

"The Secretary-General trusts that the French authorities will do all in their power to bring the perpetrators to justice quickly," said the statement.

Extending his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured, Ban said in his statement that he stands with the government and people of France.

In a separate statement, the UN Security Council referred to the terrorist attacks as "barbaric and cowardly".The Council underlined the need to bring the perpetrators of these terrorist acts to justice.