France, May 7 -- France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed concern over the situation between India and Pakistan, and also acknowledged India's desire to protect itself against terrorism, but emphasised the need for restraint.

"We strongly condemned the terrorist attack on 22 April, which left 26 civilians brutally murdered in India," Barrot said.

He mentioned his efforts to support a United Nations Security Council statement condemning the attack, saying, "I was even in New York last week to support the adoption of a statement by the United Nations Security Council condemning this terrorist attack."

Further, he added, "We understand India's desire to protect itself against the scourge of terrorism, but we obviously call on ...