Czech PM asks for assessment of security situation after French terror attacks

Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka has asked Interior Minister Milan Chovanec and the BIS counter-intelligence for a rapid assessment of the situation including possible impact on the security of the Czech Republic and the EU after the terrorist attacks in France on Friday.

Sobotka's spokesman Martin Ayrer said Sobotka has been shocked by the attacks. Sobotka said in a statement on Saturday that Czech security forces are taking the necessary measures usual in such situation but he did not specify the security measures being taken.

Under similar circumstances, the protection of airports and foreign embassies is raised, among others.

Sobotka expresses his solidarity with the French government and deepest condolences to families of the victims at this difficult moment.

He said what happened at night in Paris is exceptionally brutal crime that carries all the characteristics of a terrorist attack. He said Europe must become "strong and ready to defend its values, to ensure the safety of citizens and to fight terrorism together."

Sobotka has called a meeting of the board of the National Security Council for Saturday afternoon.

Czech President Milos Zeman described the terrorist attacks in France as an abominable crime and said they confirm that "difficult times start," his spokesman Jiri Ovcacek quoted him as saying on Saturday.

According to available information, no Czechs are among the victims. Czech security corps are taking all necessary measures, reinforce the protection of shopping centres, airports and the French embassy. Endit