Dutch PM Kok: Attack was a 
declaration of war to our democracy 
and to the free west

Amsterdam, 17 September 2001.

In a press conference this morning, the Dutch prime- minister Wim Kok said that the attack of last Tuesday was also an "attack on Dutch democracy, as well as an attack on the entire free western world."

On the question of Dutch troops participating in some military action towards terrorist he said that was not yet an issue. 

The Prime Minister stressed that "international terrorism must be dealt with in the most forceful manner, whatever the consequences of such an action might be. The Netherlands will pursue with full force tracking down and combat terrorism."

On Tuesday a special session of the cabinet is scheduled. The ministers of Defence, Foreign Affairs and the Interior will address extra security measures to be taken and they will discuss the Dutch possibilities to participate in the International effort to combat terrorism.

According to Kok this is "a battle that requires decisiveness in the short run and breath in the long run." Not only the government has to take action, it also requires a civilian contribution to a safer future, said the Prime Minister. (Source: NRC- Handelsblad )