Biarritz (AFP)
A total of 13,200 police and gendarmes, backed by military forces, were mobilized to ensure the security of the G7 in Biarritz this weekend, said Tuesday Interior Minister Christophe Castaner.
"We will not tolerate any overflow, if they occur, we will respond," added the Minister, traveling to the seaside town of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques where the summit will be held from August 24 to 26.
The G7, said the minister, is the potential object of "three major threats", starting with "violent individuals that I do not confuse with peaceful protesters".
Regarding the holding of the counter-summit in Irun and Hendaye, he said that "it should be able to stand freely (...) There is no question to prevent the free expression of nonviolent views."
He also referred to the "terrorist threat" for which "an international summit may be a target", although he noted that there is currently "no special warning". He finally mentioned the "cyber threat", referring to possible attacks on the Internet.
Mr Castaner insisted on "exceptional cooperation", particularly in intelligence matters, with Spain, which will mobilize troops on its side of the border, without detailing the importance.
On the emergency side, the minister mentioned the presence of 400 firefighters and 13 mobile emergency and resuscitation teams.
© 2019 AFP