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Dutch cabinet intensifies security after Paris attacks

Xinhua, November 14, 2015 Adjust font size:

Following the Paris attacks the Dutch cabinet increased alertness of all its related security services and intensified border surveillance, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced at a press conference on Saturday.

Rutte called a special meeting with some of his ministers at the Ministry of Security and Justice on Saturday morning to discuss the consequences of the Friday night attacks in the French capital, which reportedly cost the lives of at least 120 people.

The Dutch prime minister said they talked about three major issues. At first all related security services have increased their alertness, both visible and invisible. "Due to security reasons I cannot give more information," Rutte said.

In addition Rutte said that the border control, particularly traffic from and to France, has been intensified. This applies to train stations and airports as well. Also, during major events police will be on extra vigilance and alert.

So far the terrorist threat level in the Netherlands remains "substantial", the Dutch National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV) had already declared.

Substantial means there is a real chance of a terrorist attack, but there are no direct indications for that.

The four levels of terrorism threat in the Netherlands vary from "minimal" to "limited" to "substantial" to "critical". Since March 2013 the Dutch level is on level of "substantial". From November 2009 until March 2013 the level was "limited".

According to Rutte the Netherlands is at war with Islamic State (IS), which claimed responsibility for the Paris attacks. "IS is our enemy, thus we are at war, we are not at war with a religion or with Islam."

Geert Wilders, leaders of the right wing populist PVV (Party of Freedom), expressed a different opinion. "The truth is: Islam does not belong to us," he stated. "It brings violence and danger everywhere. We need to deislamize and close our borders."

Rutte added that on Monday the flags at all Dutch government buildings will be flown at half-mast to show support and mourning.

"Feelings of disgust and anger dominate my mind right now," Rutte said. "My heart, condolences and support go to the victims, relatives and the French people. We already offered our help to the French authorities and I transferred that message to French president Francois Hollande."

Dutch King Willem-Alexander also issued a written statement. "I am deeply shocked by the terrorist attacks last night in Paris," he stated. "The Netherlands feels closely tied to France. With the French people, we remain steadfastly defend freedom against those who seek to undermine our freedom with terror."

"We will never give away our values of freedom and solidarity," the King added. "Our thoughts are with all those who now have intense grief about the loss of their loved ones and to all the victims of these cowardly attacks." Endit