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France 'at risk of chemical, biological weapons attack by IS': PM Manuel Valls

By FnF Desk | PUBLISHED: 19, Nov 2015, 16:32 pm IST | UPDATED: 19, Nov 2015, 16:32 pm IST

France 'at risk of chemical, biological weapons attack by IS': PM Manuel Valls Paris: Prime Minister Manuel Valls warned Thursday of the danger of an attack in France using 'chemical or biological weapons', in a speech to lawmakers debating the extension of a state of emergency.

"We must not rule anything out," Valls said. "There is also the risk from chemical or biological weapons," he added.

As the investigation spreads across Europe into the attacks claimed by the Islamic State group, Valls also called on the European Union (EU) to urgently adopt measures to share airline passenger information.

"More than ever, it's time for Europe to adopt the text... to guarantee the traceability of movements, including within the union. It's a condition of our collective security," he said.

Meanwhile, Belgian authorities have launched six raids in the Brussels region linked to Paris suicide bomber Bilal Hadfi.

French authorities are seeking to confirm the identities of two people who were killed in yesterday's raid on Saint-Denis. Their identities have yet to be confirmed.

French forensic experts today will be continuing their work to identify whether the Isil mastermind, Abdelhamid Abaaoud, was the man killed in the police raid yesterday.

Earlier today, France urged the international community to do more to eradicate the Islamic State group after the deadly attacks in Paris that rattled the Western world.

Foreign minister Laurent Fabius told France-Inter radio that IS is "a monster", adding: "But if all the countries in the world aren't capable of fighting against 30,000 people (IS members), it's incomprehensible."

The group claimed responsibility for Friday's attacks on a rock concert, cafes and France's national stadium that killed at least 129 people.

France has stepped up its air strikes against extremists in Syria since the attack, and President Francois Hollande is going to Washington and Moscow next week to push for a stronger international coalition against IS.

Meanwhile, Belgian prime minister Charles Michel has announced a package of additional anti-terror measures in the wake of the attacks.

Mr Michel said €400m would be earmarked to expand the anti-terror fight

He told legislators in a special announcement that personnel involved in security would be increased, and said special attention would be paid to eradicating messages of hate.

Mr Michel also called for more international co-operation.

At least 129 people were killed in shootings and suicide bombings in the French capital on Friday, targeting a concert hall, bars and restaurants and the Stade de France national stadium.