Polish Interior Minister convenes anti-terror meeting after Nice attack

"We have no information that Poles were among the victims (...) I have decided to convene the anti-terrorist group. Today there will be a meeting at which the security services will submit reports,” said Błaszczak, when asked by broadcaster Polsat News about the Polish government's reaction to the attack in Nice.

Błaszczak added that security services "do not report that there is a threat in Poland."

An attacker at the wheel of a large lorry slammed into a crowd enjoying Bastille Day fireworks in the southern French city of Nice on Thursday, killing at least 84 people on France's national holiday. President Francois Hollande said the attack was of "an undeniable terrorist nature".

Błaszczak pointed out that in connection with last weekend’s NATO summit in Warsaw and the upcoming World Youth Days, Poland on 4 July reinstated temporary controls on its borders with other EU member states.

"World Youth Days are not threatened," he added.

Poland has stepped up security as it prepares to host the Roman Catholic Church’s World Youth Days, which will be attended by Pope Francis.

Organizers expect around 1.5 million pilgrims in the southern city of Kraków between 26 and 31 July. Pope Francis arrives in the city on the afternoon of 27 July.

Meanwhile, Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said he had sent his condolences to the French ambassador in Poland.

He added: "If in a country as experienced in the fight against terrorism as France, which has such extensive and experienced security services, there are systematic attacks, you can say that nobody in the world is safe at the moment." (pk)

Source: PAP