U.N. chief condemns 'despicable attacks' in Paris, demands release of hostages

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned on Friday the "despicable terrorist attacks" carried out in Paris. "He demands the immediate release of the numerous individuals reportedly being held hostage in the Bataclan theater," a spokesman for Ban said in a statement. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Eric Beech)