THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Sept. 16 (UPI) -- The Netherlands will have to stay on alert against terror for the foreseeable future.
The chance of a terrorist attack in the traditionally tolerant Northern European nation of 20 million people is very real and the alert level of "substantial" will remain for some time, according to a new website launched by Netherlands anti-terrorism coordinator Jibe Joust.
The Website, www.nctb.nl, was launched on Friday and gives up-to-date information about the national anti-terrorism coordinator's assessment of the level of threat. The four alert levels are minimal, limited, substantial and critical.
The Dutch-language website says it was unlikely the current threat level would be lowered in the near future. The website also provides information for the public, companies and government officials on what to do in case of a terrorist attack.
Netherlands Justice Minister Piet-Hein Donner ordered to increase the alert level last Saturday.
In its first day of operation Friday, the new official website asked the Dutch public not to panic and said there was no reason for them to stop using public transportation such as railways and urban underground rapid transit systems.
Joust has been appointed national coordinator for anti-terrorism to ensure effective cooperation between the various agencies involved in combating terrorism. Government leaders have moved in recent months to address a great deal of chaotic disorganization, overlap and lack of coordination between the existing Dutch police and national security agencies.
