The apparent terror attack in Paris, which left one police officer dead and others injured, was clearly intended to disrupt the last few days of the French presidential election campaign.
PES president Sergei Stanishev said:
“An attack on a police officer, whose duty is to protect the public, is an outrageous act. Our thoughts are with the family of those who were attacked, and I commend the security services for their speedy response to the threat.
“I also praise the close cooperation between the French and Belgian police which resulted in a second suspect being arrested this morning in Belgium.
“The European Union was created to build solidarity among all the countries of Europe. Today Europe stands united with the French people, as with all victims of terror, and united against those who would threaten the European project from within and without.”
Update: Media reports that the man arrested in Belgium was suspected of involvement in the attack have since been contradicted by Belgian and French authorities.