French President Francois Hollande declared Tuesday that Europe must unite to fight terrorism, and warned that it would be a “long war” that will involve close cooperation among all European countries.
“The war against terrorism must be conducted across the whole of Europe, and with all the necessary resources, notably with regard to intelligence,” Hollande said shortly after two explosions rocked Brussels, Belgium, and killed at least 34 people and injured 170 people.
“We must also conduct this war against terrorism while remaining fully vigilant, and that’s the reason why today, the French government has taken measures to reinforce the border controls and to increase the presence of police officers, gendarmes, and soldiers in all our transport infrastructures, ports, airports and stations,” he said.
“But this war against terrorism must be conducted with cool, with calm and lucidity, and with determination, because it will be long war,” Hollande added.
He spoke just four months after his own country was attacked by Islamic terrorists who killed 130 people. Then, he declared France and other nations would “lead a war which will be pitiless” against those responsible.
This time, he said Europe must unite with Belgium, and said he has already offered the country aid.
“I reassured the Belgian government of our entire support so that we can use all possible means,” he said. “Terrorism has struck Belgium, but in fact it’s Europe that was probably the target and everybody is concerned.”
“We are with you, but we also must ensure that there will be no economic developments if there is not security first, and security is also an element that is necessary,” Hollande added.
