Dutch gov't to stick to current counterterror policy: PM

The Netherlands will not raise its threat level for terrorist attacks as there is no concrete evidence for an imminent attack in the country, Prime Minister Mark Rutte has said.

Rutte made the remarks in a letter sent to the parliament late Wednesday prior to a debate, which was focused on the Netherlands' counter-terrorism policy following last week's Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris.

"The Dutch National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism reaffirmed after the attack in Paris that the threat level 'substantial' remains and will not be raised to 'critical,'" he said.

"What happened is terrible, but it fits in the current threat level," he added.

Rutte said the central and local governments contacted with representatives of different social groups after the Paris attack, which "has led to understandable concerns and questions regarding their safety."

"Where necessary, measures will be taken on the basis of threat and risk," said the prime minister, adding that he will accelerate the preparation and handling of anti-terror legislation proposals.

According to Rutte, the legislation includes measures already announced before the Paris attack, following the increased threat of terrorism by the emergence of the Islamic State.

The Dutch government has been repeatedly criticized by opposition parties for having done little to apply these measures since last summer.

As for several opposition parties' appeal for increasing funding for the capacity of the country's General Intelligence and Security Service, Rutte said it is currently not necessary but that resources will be made available as soon as the threat further increases.

"The most important thing is that we steadily continue on the path of our program and permanently monitor what adjustments are needed," he said. Endi