EU Countries Agree to Provide Assistance to France After Paris Attacks

All EU member states have agreed to assist France following the recent deadly Paris terrorist attacks, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Tuesday.

On Monday, French President Francois Hollande said in his address to national legislators that the country would invoke article 42.7 of the Lisbon Treaty, obliging other EU member states to help the "victim of armed aggression" by "all the means in their power."

"France has requested, as you know, aid and assistance in accordance with Article 42.7 of the Treaty. Today, the European Union through the voices of all the defense ministers of all the EU member states unanimously expressed it strongest full support and readiness to provide all the aid and assistance required and needed," Mogherini said at a press briefing.

The assistance of the European Union to France following the recent deadly  terrorist attacks in Paris will be provided on bilateral basis rather than through the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) mission operation, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Tuesday.

“This does not imply EU CSDP mission operation, this calls for aid and assistance bilaterally and the European Union can facilitate this and coordinate this whenever it is useful and necessary,” Mogherini said at a press briefing.

She added that the bloc needed no further formality to move on with the assistance as the article in question did not require any formal decision to be taken.

On November 13, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks at various locations in the French capital left over 130 dead and 350 injured, prompting Hollande to declare a state of emergency, increase defense spending and step up national anti-terror security.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for shootings and suicide bombings in Paris.
[sputniknews.com]
17/11/15
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