Latest news with #Euro-realist
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Our position is very clear. It's a Russian war against Ukraine,' says Simion
George Simion is a self-described Euro-realist with differing views on Ukraine. Yet he's not fallen to any kind of anti-Ukrainian sentiment, he says. It's patriotism and protecting the interests of the Romanian minority living there, plain and simple. And to prove that point, in his mind there is no doubt over who's to blame for the war in Ukraine, or who can be the peacemaker. "Our position towards the Russian war is very clear. It's a Russian war against Ukraine, against all international treaties, and our hopes and prayers go towards a peaceful solution of the Trump administration in this region because escalating the conflict is not the answer," Simion explained in a joint interview with Euronews and Euronews Romania. "Our problems with Ukraine is not about hatred, about opposing something. It's about Ukrainians who must respect international treaties and the rights of national minorities," Simion said. "We have half a million Romanian speakers in Ukraine, and they don't have the right to school and to church." Simion still has a standing ban on entry to Ukraine, as well as neighbouring Moldova, however. Yet, he is confident the bans will get lifted once he enters office. "Probably after I win on 19 May, these false interdictions will disappear because it is in Chisinau and Kyiv's interest to work with us. I want to work with them on several topics and I want to have good neighbourly relations," he said. When asked whether Romania will continue to support Ukraine, defending itself from Russia's all-out war, now in its fourth year, or if Bucharest will put that on hold, Simion was clear. "This is not an obligation so far as I know, and I will not help Ukraine until Ukraine manages to respect the right of the Romanians living in the sovereign territory of Ukraine," he said. Does that mean Romania would withdraw its support? Simion said yes. "I said it numerous times. The solution is a ceasefire and peace negotiation, de-escalating the conflict and we must follow the interests of the Romanian nation, not of other nations that are not part of the European Union and of NATO. And NATO is a defensive alliance," he pointed out. Yet Romania's future is closely tied to that of the EU in Simion's views, while there's no chance his country would ever leave NATO under his leadership, he emphasised. "For us, being a member of NATO is vital. We sacrificed a lot for being admitted to NATO. We invested a lot, and our defence spending is quite large." "So we want to be, along with Poland and the Baltic states, the eastern flank of NATO, and we want to invest more in our defence spending. We want a NATO led by the United States," he added. Simion has emerged as the frontrunner for Romania's next president, securing 40.5% of the votes in the repeat's first round held last Sunday. Just two days after his victory, in an interview before the Euronews Romania debate, Simion was optimistic about his chances — and very vocal about his policies. He's neither a Eurosceptic nor a pro-Russian politician, and he's tired of the relentless name-calling, especially from abroad, he pointed out. "I am a Euro-realist," Simion told Euronews. "We want a Europe of nations, and I am the person who fought the most before entering politics against Russian propaganda." His opponent in the second round, Nicușor Dan, who received 21% of the vote on Sunday, is a staunch pro-Ukraine ally. Both candidates participated in a debate, organised by Euronews Romania Thursday night, in which Ukraine was one of the key topics of discussion.
Euronews
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Ukrainian drones paralyse Moscow airspace for three days in row
As Romania prepares for the second round of its re-run presidential election, Bucharest Mayor and independent candidate Nicușor Dan is mounting a bold challenge to beat his nationalist opponent George Simion, who won the election's first round last Sunday. In a joint interview with Euronews and Euronews Romania, Dan, who came in second after leapfrogging the ruling big tent candidate Crin Antonescu in a dramatic finish to Sunday's vote count, maintained his strongly pro-European positions, including with Ukraine, one of his key differences from his self-proclaimed "Euro-realist" rival. "I would like Ukraine to enter the European Union," he said, "just as I would like the Republic of Moldova to enter the European Union." "In the event that I am president, I will campaign for this within the European structures." Emphasising his beliefs, Dan is confidently pro-European, though he is not turning his back on good relations with Donald Trump's administration in Washington. "I want Romania to maintain its pro-Western direction," Dan said, "which means pro-European, for Romania to be active in the European Union. On the other hand, I want to preserve the strategic partnership Romania has with the United States, which is very important, especially in the security area." Asked about Trump himself, Dan emphasised pragmatism. "Romania has a strategic partnership with the US that I want to see continued and expanded. I would like a greater presence of American companies in Romania," he pointed out. "And I would obviously like a retention of American troops in Romania, which is an additional security guarantee for Romania." The biggest question hanging over the election, though, is what has led to Simion's meteoric rise on the right, an event that saw the first attempt at the election cancelled because of alleged irregularities in the first round. "It is a failure of the traditional political class, one that was exploited by those who shouted louder, who had stronger, more populist messages," Dan says of his opponent's success. "Romania has a big problem, which is corruption. This is the reason why the doubling of GDP in the last 10 years has not been reflected in the living conditions of ordinary people." "Romania has a problem with the functioning of the state apparatus that people, again, see very well. But on the other hand, Romania has the resources to correct all these things and transfer the economy to prosperity." A slew of flight delays and diversions at Moscow airports affected thousands of travellers yet again on Wednesday following another Ukrainian drone attack. Days before the Victory Day parade in the Russian capital — one of the largest public holidays and the most important events for President Vladimir Putin — chaos in Moscow's airspace persisted for the third day in a row. According to the Association of Russia's Tour Operators, some airports have been closed, while around 350 flights have been reportedly affected. At least 60,000 passengers have experienced disruption, with many of them left stuck on board planes for several hours. Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency also warned of flight delays across central Russia "due to the late arrival of aircraft at the initial airports of destination." For a third consecutive day, Russian authorities report downing Ukrainian drones approaching Moscow, disrupting aviation in the region. Russian outlets claim that a Ukrainian drone attack caused a "collapse" at airports in the Moscow region, forcing airlines to delay departures or divert planes elsewhere. Among those affected is Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. His plane was reportedly forced to divert to the Azerbaijani capital of Baku because of the threats in Russian airspace. According to Serbian state news agency Tanjug, his flight to Moscow to attend the parade was disrupted by what the agency calls "active hostilities between Russia and Ukraine". Brussels issued a stark warning to the Serbian leader a few days ago, indicating that Vučić's visit would violate EU membership criteria and potentially hurt Serbia's accession process to the 27-member bloc. Earlier, Serbian newspaper Novosti reported that Lithuania and Latvia have denied a flight with Vučić on board from crossing their airspace en route to Moscow for the Victory Day parade on Friday, citing "political (...) technical and diplomatic sensitivity". The same outlet also reported that Poland and Lithuania had denied flyover rights to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, raising similar concerns. His attendance remains uncertain at this point. Estonia also said it would not allow the aircraft carrying leaders heading to the Victory Day parade in Moscow to pass through its airspace. "Estonia does not intend to support the event in any way," Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said. "We have stressed to our European Union colleagues that as Russia is a country that launched and continues a war in Europe, participation in propaganda events organised by them should be ruled out." In an effort to protect and secure the parade, Putin announced a unilateral 'truce' from Thursday to midnight on Sunday. The Kremlin announced the measure on 28 April, claiming all military actions would halt during that period and urging Ukraine to "follow this example." Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the proposal as a "theatrical performance" designed to reduce Russia's international isolation and secure favourable conditions for Moscow's Victory Day events on Friday. He also said that Ukraine could not guarantee the safety of foreign officials planning to attend Victory Day events in Russia. On Wednesday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia's unilateral ceasefire during the Victory Day celebrations remains in place and will run from midnight to midnight from 8 to 11 May. Overnight on Wednesday, Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing two people and injuring eight others, including four children, officials reported. The European Commission is preparing for a possible no-deal scenario in negotiations over a future free trade agreement with Ukraine as time is slipping away with the existing scheme set to expire on 5 June. 'There are time constraints, therefore we are also exploring potential transitional measures in case the negotiations for reviewing the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) are not finalised and applied by 6 June,' a Commission spokesperson said on Wednesday. The spokesperson added that these potential measures are now also being discussed with Ukrainian counterparts. 'I'm not saying transitional measures will definitely be needed,' he continued. 'What I am saying is that we are preparing for that possibility, which I believe everyone agrees is what a responsible European Commission should do.' Currently, trade between the EU and Ukraine operates under the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs), which temporarily suspend all tariffs and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural exports. This system was introduced in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The ATM scheme, which has already been extended once, is due to expire in June and cannot be renewed again. The Commission has repeatedly stated that it has no intention of extending the ATMs beyond that date anyway. The existing arrangement has faced pushback in some EU member states, particularly France and Poland, where farmers have protested against the influx of Ukrainian agricultural imports since trade barriers were lifted. A formal free trade agreement is therefore needed to replace the current system. 'Our priority is to work on the review of the EU-Ukraine DCFTA,' the spokesperson said. However, agriculture remains the most sensitive issue. The EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen, recently emphasised that future trade arrangements will not include the same level of quotas and imports allowed under the ATMs. By contrast, Ukraine hopes to maintain the current level of access. 'We would like to begin negotiations with our partners in the European Commission to preserve the existing level of cooperation and enshrine it in the new agreement,' Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said during a visit to Brussels last month. The EU's goal is to provide long-term predictability and stability for operators in both the EU and Ukraine, the Commission spokesperson said. 'This will strengthen the perspective for Ukraine's gradual movement towards EU accession, as well as addressing sensitivities on our side, notably on the agri-food sector,' he said. Still, the EU is in no rush. 'Things are ready when they're ready,' the spokesperson said, highlighting that the Commission must consult with member states and pointing out that a change in leadership at the Commission has also affected the timeline. 'These things can't always move as quickly as we might like,' he concluded.
Euronews
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
'I want Romania to maintain its pro-Western direction,' presidential hopeful Dan says
George Simion is a self-described Euro-realist with differing views on Ukraine. Yet he's not fallen to any kind of anti-Ukrainian sentiment, he says. It's patriotism and protecting the interests of the Romanian minority living there, plain and simple. And to prove that point, in his mind there is no doubt over who's to blame for the war in Ukraine, or who can be the peacemaker. "Our position towards the Russian war is very clear. It's a Russian war against Ukraine, against all international treaties, and our hopes and prayers go towards a peaceful solution of the Trump administration in this region because escalating the conflict is not the answer," Simion explained in a joint interview with Euronews and Euronews Romania. "Our problems with Ukraine is not about hatred, about opposing something. It's about Ukrainians who must respect international treaties and the rights of national minorities," Simion said. "We have half a million Romanian speakers in Ukraine, and they don't have the right to school and to church." Simion still has a standing ban on entry to Ukraine, as well as neighbouring Moldova, however. Yet, he is confident the bans will get lifted once he enters office. "Probably after I win on 19 May, these false interdictions will disappear because it is in Chisinau and Kyiv's interest to work with us. I want to work with them on several topics and I want to have good neighbourly relations," he said. When asked whether Romania will continue to support Ukraine, defending itself from Russia's all-out war, now in its fourth year, or if Bucharest will put that on hold, Simion was clear. "This is not an obligation so far as I know, and I will not help Ukraine until Ukraine manages to respect the right of the Romanians living in the sovereign territory of Ukraine," he said. Does that mean Romania would withdraw its support? Simion said yes. "I said it numerous times. The solution is a ceasefire and peace negotiation, de-escalating the conflict and we must follow the interests of the Romanian nation, not of other nations that are not part of the European Union and of NATO. And NATO is a defensive alliance," he pointed out. Yet Romania's future is closely tied to that of the EU in Simion's views, while there's no chance his country would ever leave NATO under his leadership, he emphasised. "For us, being a member of NATO is vital. We sacrificed a lot for being admitted to NATO. We invested a lot, and our defence spending is quite large." "So we want to be, along with Poland and the Baltic states, the eastern flank of NATO, and we want to invest more in our defence spending. We want a NATO led by the United States," he added. Simion has emerged as the frontrunner for Romania's next president, securing 40.5% of the votes in the repeat's first round held last Sunday. Just two days after his victory, in an interview before the Euronews Romania debate, Simion was optimistic about his chances — and very vocal about his policies. He's neither a Eurosceptic nor a pro-Russian politician, and he's tired of the relentless name-calling, especially from abroad, he pointed out. "I am a Euro-realist," Simion told Euronews. "We want a Europe of nations, and I am the person who fought the most before entering politics against Russian propaganda." His opponent in the second round, Nicușor Dan, who received 21% of the vote on Sunday, is a staunch pro-Ukraine ally. Both candidates participated in a debate, organised by Euronews Romania Thursday night, in which Ukraine was one of the key topics of discussion. Mathematician and Bucharest mayor Nicușor Dan has remained steadfast in his support of a pro-Western policy, despite the threat emanating from Russia. Highlighting his beliefs, Dan is confidently pro-European, though he is not turning his back on good relations with US President Donald Trump's administration in Washington. "I want Romania to maintain its pro-Western direction," Dan said in a joint interview with Euronews and Euronews Romania, "which means pro-European, for Romania to be active in the European Union." "On the other hand, I want to preserve the strategic partnership Romania has with the United States, which is very important, especially in the security area." Asked about Trump himself, Dan underlined pragmatism in Romania's approach with his administration. "Romania has a strategic partnership with the US that I want to see continued and expanded. I would like a greater presence of American companies in Romania," he pointed out. "And I would obviously like a retention of American troops in Romania, which is an additional security guarantee for Romania." The biggest question hanging over the election, though, is what has led to Simion's meteoric rise on the right, an event that saw the first attempt at the election cancelled because of alleged irregularities in the first round. "It is a failure of the traditional political class, one that was exploited by those who shouted louder, who had stronger, more populist messages," Dan says of his opponent's success. "Romania has a big problem, which is corruption. This is the reason why the doubling of GDP in the last 10 years has not been reflected in the living conditions of ordinary people," Dan said. "Romania has a problem with the functioning of the state apparatus that people, again, see very well. But on the other hand, Romania has the resources to correct all these things and transfer the economy to prosperity." The Bucharest mayor and his nationalist opponent offered sharply differing attitudes on support for Ukraine in their first television debate, hosted by Euronews Romania. In the interview conducted prior to the debate, Dan said he wanted to remain aligned with Western partners, more importantly, from Western Europe, as he explains it is about the "security of Romania and the Republic of Moldova at stake." "In the event that I am president, I will campaign for this within the European structures," Dan said. Dan has an uphill battle receiving 21% of the vote on Sunday compared to 41% from Simion. The second round will take place on 18 May, with the future direction of Western alliances at stake. Domestically, Dan will look to stabilise Romania financially, with a first quarter deficit of 2.3%. "That means a prediction of a 9% deficit per year, which is not healthy at all, the target being 7%." "This is the first thing that needs to be done, limit certain expenses, see what are the obstacles to attracting European funds, very high pressure on big tax evasion and also on the functioning of state-owned companies, on the management of state-owned companies," Dan concluded. Friedrich Merz, the new federal chancellor of Germany, brought an unambiguous message to his first visit to Brussels since taking office. "It cannot become the rule that we go into debt at the EU level," he declared. In separate press conferences with Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, and António Costa, the president of the European Council, the German leader left no doubt as to his view on the issuance of debt shared by the 27 member states, as the bloc did in 2020 to set up the €750-billion COVID recovery fund. Since that groundbreaking experience, a growing group of countries has raised the idea of repeating the model to raise money for the myriad of challenges facing Europe today, including the gradual loss of competitiveness, the fight against climate change, the phase-out of Russian energy fuels and, more recently, the ramp-up of military spending. In early March, von der Leyen unveiled the "Readiness 2030" plan to invest up to €800 billion in rearming the EU and building up deterrence. The plan involves €150 billion in low-interest loans, which will be repaid only by the member states that request them. The rest of the money is meant to be raised through the temporary relaxation of fiscal rules and new initiatives with the private sector. On Friday, Merz defended the need to resort to the financial markets to boost military expenditure but warned against extending the approach to other policy areas. Before taking office, the conservative leader spearheaded a constitutional amendment to exempt defence and security spending above 1% of GDP from the so-called "debt brake" in Germany. "We're facing crises and challenges across the world that are becoming more permanent, and that cannot be used as a basis for permanent common European debt," the chancellor said, speaking next to Costa. Later, with von der Leyen, he echoed his earlier message. "There can be exceptional circumstances, such as during the COVID pandemic. And another situation we currently find ourselves in is stocking up our defence capabilities," he said. "But it should remain an exception for the European Union to go into debt." Merz also raised concerns about the burden that continued public spending would put on member states, some of which already exceed the 100% debt-to-GDP ratio. "I wonder to what extent the refinancing, not just of the debt but also the interest rates, is going to be possible. We cannot go into never-ending spirals of debt," he said. "What we need to do is look for joint solutions, but it's not just a question of money. It's also a question of efficiency," he added, calling for regulatory simplification, standardisation and economies of scale as alternative methods. The debate around debt will begin at full throttle when the Commission unveils its proposal for the EU budget 2028-2032, which will introduce a brand-new envelope to pay back the accumulated debt from the COVID recovery fund. Repayments are estimated to be sizeable, ranging from €13 billion to €15 billion per year until 2058. The Commission's presentation, expected before the end of this year, will trigger a protracted, complex and likely explosive debate among member states. Spain, for example, has tabled an ambitious proposal to increase the bloc's budget from the current €1.2 trillion to €2 trillion, using common debt as a tool. Meanwhile, the Baltic states, Poland and Greece have called for grants to finance defence spending. Unlike loans devised by von der Leyen, such grants would be paid back collectively. Finland and Denmark, two traditionally frugal nations, have switched gears to embrace a more flexible position, arguing Russia's aggressive posturing merits a new way of thinking. By contrast, the Netherlands insists on its long-standing red line: no more common debt. Squaring the circle will only be possible once Germany and France, the EU's largest economies, arrive at common ground. Paris has often called for innovative solutions to the EU budget, even as it struggles to curb its ballooning debt levels. "It's going to be a difficult discussion. There will be differences of opinion," Merz admitted. "There's not always agreement between Germany and France, but we're sitting down and talking about these topics." Merz's visit to Brussels coincided with Europe Day.
Euronews
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
'Our position is very clear. It's a Russian war against Ukraine,' says Simion
George Simion is a self-described Euro-realist with differing views on Ukraine. Yet he's not fallen to any kind of anti-Ukrainian sentiment, he says. It's patriotism and protecting the interests of the Romanian minority living there, plain and simple. And to prove that point, in his mind there is no doubt over who's to blame for the war in Ukraine, or who can be the peacemaker. "Our position towards the Russian war is very clear. It's a Russian war against Ukraine, against all international treaties, and our hopes and prayers go towards a peaceful solution of the Trump administration in this region because escalating the conflict is not the answer," Simion explained in a joint interview with Euronews and Euronews Romania. "Our problems with Ukraine is not about hatred, about opposing something. It's about Ukrainians who must respect international treaties and the rights of national minorities," Simion said. "We have half a million Romanian speakers in Ukraine, and they don't have the right to school and to church." Simion still has a standing ban on entry to Ukraine, as well as neighbouring Moldova, however. Yet, he is confident the bans will get lifted once he enters office. "Probably after I win on 19 May, these false interdictions will disappear because it is in Chisinau and Kyiv's interest to work with us. I want to work with them on several topics and I want to have good neighbourly relations," he said. When asked whether Romania will continue to support Ukraine, defending itself from Russia's all-out war, now in its fourth year, or if Bucharest will put that on hold, Simion was clear. "This is not an obligation so far as I know, and I will not help Ukraine until Ukraine manages to respect the right of the Romanians living in the sovereign territory of Ukraine," he said. Does that mean Romania would withdraw its support? Simion said yes. "I said it numerous times. The solution is a ceasefire and peace negotiation, de-escalating the conflict and we must follow the interests of the Romanian nation, not of other nations that are not part of the European Union and of NATO. And NATO is a defensive alliance," he pointed out. Yet Romania's future is closely tied to that of the EU in Simion's views, while there's no chance his country would ever leave NATO under his leadership, he emphasised. "For us, being a member of NATO is vital. We sacrificed a lot for being admitted to NATO. We invested a lot, and our defence spending is quite large." "So we want to be, along with Poland and the Baltic states, the eastern flank of NATO, and we want to invest more in our defence spending. We want a NATO led by the United States," he added. Simion has emerged as the frontrunner for Romania's next president, securing 40.5% of the votes in the repeat's first round held last Sunday. Just two days after his victory, in an interview before the Euronews Romania debate, Simion was optimistic about his chances — and very vocal about his policies. He's neither a Eurosceptic nor a pro-Russian politician, and he's tired of the relentless name-calling, especially from abroad, he pointed out. "I am a Euro-realist," Simion told Euronews. "We want a Europe of nations, and I am the person who fought the most before entering politics against Russian propaganda." His opponent in the second round, Nicușor Dan, who received 21% of the vote on Sunday, is a staunch pro-Ukraine ally. Both candidates participated in a debate, organised by Euronews Romania Thursday night, in which Ukraine was one of the key topics of discussion.
Euronews
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Euronews Romania to stage landmark presidential television duel betwee
Euronews Romania will exclusively stage and air the first Romanian presidential election debate this evening as final candidates Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan and AUR party leader George Simion face off in a three-hour television duel. Relations with the EU, NATO, the war in Ukraine and the economy will be key themes as they meet at 1900 CET before an audience in the Aula Magna of the Polytechnical University of Romania balanced in its support for the pair. The Romanian election is viewed as existential for the future of the country, but will also impact central Europe and the EU as a whole, as the bloc struggles to maintain a unified line of support for Ukraine and to ramp up the continent's defence capacity in the face of vacillating support from US President Donald Trump. Both candidates spoke exclusively to Euronews and Euronews Romania in recent days following the momentous first round. Simion, who has emerged as the frontrunner for Romania's next president, securing 40.5% of the votes in the repeat's first round held on Sunday, said he remains in favour of the country's membership in the EU and NATO. "I am a Euro-realist," Simion told Euronews and Euronews Romania. "We want a Europe of nations, and I am the person who fought the most before entering politics against Russian propaganda." Where he differs from the EU is his views on Ukraine, however. When asked whether Romania will continue to support Ukraine, defending itself from Russia's all-out war, now in its fourth year, or if Bucharest will put that on hold, Simion was clear. "This is not an obligation so far as I know, and I will not help Ukraine until Ukraine manages to respect the right of the Romanians living in the sovereign territory of Ukraine," he said. Bucharest Mayor and independent candidate Nicușor Dantold Euronews and Euronews Romania he is prepared to mount a strong challenge to Simion advocating for a pro-European direction. Dan, who came in second after leapfrogging the ruling big tent candidate Crin Antonescu in a dramatic finish to Sunday's vote count, maintained his strongly pro-European positions, including with Ukraine, one of his key differences from his self-proclaimed "Euro-realist" rival. "I would like Ukraine to enter the European Union," he said, "just as I would like the Republic of Moldova to enter the European Union." "In the event that I am president, I will campaign for this within the European structures." Both campaigns will bring their supporters to the debate which will be hosted by Andra Diaconescu, editor in chief of Euronews Romania and Monica Mihai, Euronews' political editor. Iran has denied any involvement in an alleged terror plot against Israel's embassy in London, following the arrest of five Iranian nationals on Saturday. Four of the men who were arrested in counter-terrorism raids across England over the weekend are still being questioned by police, who say they were detained in connection with a suspected plan to attack a "specific premises". The Metropolitan Police said it could not give more details amid a "fast-moving" investigation. However, British media reports suggest that the intended target was Israel's embassy in central London. Reacting to the allegations, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Iran was in no way involved in the alleged plot. "Iran in no uncertain terms categorically rejects any involvement in such actions and confirms that we have not been informed of any allegations via proper diplomatic channels," he wrote on X on Wednesday evening. He added that Iran would assist the UK with a probe into "credible allegations". The UK's Security Minister Dan Jarvis confirmed on Monday that one of the five Iranian men arrested on Saturday had been released on strict bail conditions. In a statement shared with Euronews, Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command, said the investigation was ongoing. "This is a fast-moving counter-terrorism investigation and there are significant operational reasons why we cannot provide further information at this time," he said. "As soon as possible we will look to share further details and in the meantime we would ask the public to remain vigilant and contact us if you have any concerns," he added. The force confirmed that the targeted premises was being provided with "advice and support".
