Japan issues alert on Europe travel
Source: Agencies |
October 5, 2010, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
JAPAN issued a travel alert for its citizens in Europe yesterday, joining the United States and Britain in warning of a possible terrorist attack by al-Qaida or other groups.
However, tourists appear to be taking the mounting warnings in their stride.
The Foreign Ministry in Tokyo urged Japanese citizens to be cautious when using public transport or visiting popular tourist sites, increasing the possibility of damage to Europe's tourism industry.
European authorities tightened efforts to keep the public safe in the wake of warnings by officials in several countries that the terrorism threat is high and extra vigilance is warranted.
Yesterday, French authorities arrested a man in his 50s who is suspected of making several bomb threats in Paris, including one at a railway hub, a police official said. The man, who was not identified, was detained southwest of the capital on suspicion of being linked to a telephoned threat at the Saint-Lazare train station.
French authorities recorded nine bomb alerts in the capital last month, including at the Eiffel Tower - a threefold increase from a year earlier. No explosives were found.
On Sunday, the US State Department advised the hundreds of thousands of American citizens living or traveling in Europe to take increased precautions about their personal security. The British Foreign Office warned travelers to France and Germany that the terror threat in those countries is high.
Security officials say terrorists may be plotting attacks with assault weapons on public places in Europe, similar to the deadly 2008 shooting spree in Mumbai, India.
Business travelers and tourists arriving at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport from the United States yesterday said they were aware of the new warnings from authorities but weren't changing their plans.
"I'm very happy to be here in France. I think we're very safe and I trust the French government to keep us safe," said James O'Connell, a 59-year-old from Pittsburgh, arriving for a seven-day vacation.
Karen Bilh, a 39-year-old traveler from Cincinnati, arrived yesterday in Paris for a vacation. "We'll be vigilant and if there are terror threats, we'll listen to police in the area. We're excited about the trip," she said.
Travelers taking the Eurostar trains between London and Paris were similarly determined not to let the warnings disrupt their plans.
Jennifer D'Antoni, who owns a clothing store in Britain, was in Paris to celebrate her birthday.
"I had a wonderful time. In fact, I wish I was here for another day as I didn't get to see everything. We are just going to be a bit more cautious getting on the train," she said.
However, tourists appear to be taking the mounting warnings in their stride.
The Foreign Ministry in Tokyo urged Japanese citizens to be cautious when using public transport or visiting popular tourist sites, increasing the possibility of damage to Europe's tourism industry.
European authorities tightened efforts to keep the public safe in the wake of warnings by officials in several countries that the terrorism threat is high and extra vigilance is warranted.
Yesterday, French authorities arrested a man in his 50s who is suspected of making several bomb threats in Paris, including one at a railway hub, a police official said. The man, who was not identified, was detained southwest of the capital on suspicion of being linked to a telephoned threat at the Saint-Lazare train station.
French authorities recorded nine bomb alerts in the capital last month, including at the Eiffel Tower - a threefold increase from a year earlier. No explosives were found.
On Sunday, the US State Department advised the hundreds of thousands of American citizens living or traveling in Europe to take increased precautions about their personal security. The British Foreign Office warned travelers to France and Germany that the terror threat in those countries is high.
Security officials say terrorists may be plotting attacks with assault weapons on public places in Europe, similar to the deadly 2008 shooting spree in Mumbai, India.
Business travelers and tourists arriving at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport from the United States yesterday said they were aware of the new warnings from authorities but weren't changing their plans.
"I'm very happy to be here in France. I think we're very safe and I trust the French government to keep us safe," said James O'Connell, a 59-year-old from Pittsburgh, arriving for a seven-day vacation.
Karen Bilh, a 39-year-old traveler from Cincinnati, arrived yesterday in Paris for a vacation. "We'll be vigilant and if there are terror threats, we'll listen to police in the area. We're excited about the trip," she said.
Travelers taking the Eurostar trains between London and Paris were similarly determined not to let the warnings disrupt their plans.
Jennifer D'Antoni, who owns a clothing store in Britain, was in Paris to celebrate her birthday.
"I had a wonderful time. In fact, I wish I was here for another day as I didn't get to see everything. We are just going to be a bit more cautious getting on the train," she said.
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