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France's state of emergency extended to July 26

Xinhua, May 19, 2016 Adjust font size:

French parliament on Thursday approved the extension of the country's state of emergency for more than two months to July 26 in order to ensure security during big sports events this summer.

With an overwhelming support, lawmakers gave green light to the Socialist government to prolong a state of emergency aimed at empowering police to conduct house searches and arrest presumed terrorist suspects.

"Terrorist threats remain high and France, as Europe, is considered main (terrorists') target," Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve told deputies before the vote.

"The organization this summer of Euro 2016 and the Tour de France requires us to double vigilance. These popular and international events are indeed potential targets for terrorists," he added.

The one-month UEFA Euro 2016 soccer tournament will start on June 10 while bicycle race Tour de France is scheduled for July 2-24.

French President Francois Hollande declared a state of emergency on Nov. 14, 2015, a day after the Paris terrorist attacks.

Extended in February, the state of emergency runs until May 26. Endit