Opposition Leader Persad-Bissessar condemns Brussels attacks
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Tuesday condemned today’s attacks on transit hubs in Brussels, calling them “cowardly attacks on Europe and the free world”.
The coordinated attacks took place at the departure lounge of Brussels International airport and a metro station near the headquarters of the European Union. A third bomb was detonated before it went off. Dozens of people were killed and more than 100 injured.
In an official statement, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar said,
“While these attacks were focused on one European location it strikes at the very heart of the free world.
All of us – even in Trinidad and Tobago – must resolve to stand firm against terrorism in any form because these cowardly acts hurt the innocent and never solve any problems.
“I call on the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to take all the necessary steps to follow the lead of governments in Europe and the Americas to tighten security at ports of entry. No country is immune from this kind of warfare.”
Mrs. Persad-Bissessar noted that during her tenure as Prime Minister she co-sponsored a United Nations resolution pledging support for a united global stand against international terrorism while the opposition PNM at the time chastised her and suggested it was beneficial to stay out of such matters.
“It was a cowardly stand by Dr. Keith Rowley and the PNM and I trust that he would view today’s attacks and the similar violence in Paris as warning signs that dealing with terrorism is every country’s business,” she said.
The Opposition Leader said her thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones who are in grief today over this dastardly act. “All of humanity suffers when tragedies like this happen,” she added.
“This kind of violence inflicts suffering on people and breeds hatred and more violence.
Today while we extend our sympathy and condolences we must also be on guard to protect our own and ensure that terrorism never triumphs in our free and civilized world.”
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