In a joint statement to the press, Belgian Premier Charles Michel and French President Francois Hollande announced the capture of Abdesalam and two accomplices.
Michel said this was possible after intensive, thorough and professional work as part of the struggle against terrorism. He highlighted the importance of cooperation and extolled the work of the intelligence services.
Meanwhile, Hollande said that Abdesalam is directly related to the organization and perpetration of the attacks.
No doubt that French judicial authorities will immediately demand his extradition to be interrogated and tried in France, he stated.
He referred to the cooperation between his country and Belgium, which he said is intensive and proved its effectiveness. We should continue and broaden this collaboration between the intelligence services and police units. The cooperation is also in judicial-related matters, he added.
He said these arrests are an important stage, but the struggle has not ended, as there are links leading to Syria, the origin of the perpetrators of the attacks.
He also referred to the importance to implement in Europe all the necessary programs to fight arms trafficking and share intelligence.
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