PARIS (AP) — French President Francois Hollande says that the state of emergency, in place since attacks in January claimed by the Islamic State group, will be lifted July 26, but he stressed that the threat continues.
Hollande spoke after presiding over the traditional Bastille Day parade Thursday with thousands of members of the military marching in meticulous formation, fighting machines rumbling down the Champs-Elysees and fighter jets overhead.
Hollande said, "We cannot prolong the state of emergency eternally ... Is the threat there? Yes."
He also said France will send military counselors to Iraq to help Iraqi troops retake Mosul, the Islamic State stronghold in the north.
He also urged new British Prime Minister Theresa May quickly to trigger the procedure to take Britain out of the European Union.
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