Rutte: Netherlands stands ‘side by side’ with France after Nice attack
Prime minister Mark Rutte has said the Netherlands stands ‘side by side’ with France in the wake of last week’s terror attack in Nice.
Rutte and education minister Jet Bussemaker visited the French embassy in The Hague to open a book of condolence for the victims of the attack. So far 84 people have died and nearly 30 others remain in intensive care after a lorry ploughed into a crowd taking part in Bastille Day celebrations.
Islamic State has claimed it prepared the attack, but French police have said there is no clear evidence linking the organisation to the driver of the truck, 31-year-old Tunisian national Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel.
French president Francois Hollande has declared three days of national mourning.
‘The sympathies of the Netherlands go out to France,’ said Rutte. ‘We remember the victims and stand side by side with their loved ones. And the Netherlands will fight alongside France. We must stand up decisively against those who wish to harm our free society.’
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