EU officials seek U.S. explanation on travel alert

[News_Editor]

EU officials seek U.S. explanation on travel alert

2010-10-07 21:49:23 GMT+7 (ICT)

LUXEMBOURG (BNO NEWS) -- A European Union (EU) official on Thursday called on U.S. authorities to further explain the reasoning behind the travel alert that was issued for the continent, warning of a possible terror attack in Europe.

On Thursday, EU interior ministers and U.S. Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Jane Holl Lute will be holding a meeting in Luxembourg to discuss the issue.

"I think it is very important to obtain more information because it is the first time that the United States issues a statement for all of Europe," said Belgian interior minister Annemie Turtelboom. "When we must fight against terrorism we must work together, because we are the two continents who are the target," Turtelboom added.

On Sunday, the U.S. State Department alerted U.S. citizens to be vigilant when traveling in Europe amid fears of terrorist attacks in several countries.

"Current information suggests that al-Qaeda and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks. European governments have taken action to guard against a terrorist attack and some have spoken publicly about the heightened threat conditions," said the U.S. State Department.

Without specifying a country, the State Department said terrorists may elect to use a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests, and added that there is potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure.

Following the announcement, several countries - including the U.K., Japan, Sweden, and France - went on and issued their own travel alerts.

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