Addressing an assembly of mayors Wednesday, French President Francois Hollande reaffirmed his commitment to Syrian refugees in the wake of last weekend’s devastating terror attacks in Paris.

Hollande said the nation will honor its commitment to take in 30,000 refugees over the next two years, assuring the mayors, “France will remain a country of freedom.”

Resistance to Syrian refugees mounted in the Western world, after it was revealed at least one of the terrorists who participated in the Paris attacks claimed asylum last month in Greece using a Syrian passport. Officials say the passport was likely fake; The Daily Mail reports at least eight migrants used documents identical to those found on the Paris attacker to gain entry into Europe.

“Some have wanted to link the influx of refugees to Friday’s acts of terror,” Hollande said, evoking calls by French and American conservatives to close the borders to fleeing refugees. But he declared the nation has a “humanitarian duty” to help migrants escape war-torn Syria.

“Some people say the tragic events of the last few days have sown doubts in their minds,” Hollande said, insisting refugees will undergo a rigorous screening process before gaining admission into France.

But, Hollande said, the nation must stay committed to French values, declaring, “Life should resume fully.”

“What would France be without its museums, without its terraces, its concerts, its sports competitions?” Hollande asked, adding “France should remain as it is. Our duty is to carry on our lives.”

[Image via screengrab]

—

>> Follow Elizabeth Preza on Twitter (@lizacisms)

Have a tip we should know? [email protected]