Security fears cancel Brussels fireworks
Published: Dec. 31, 2007 at 2:38 PM
BRUSSELS, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Belgium is ringing in the New Year in quieter fashion than usual after security concerns scrubbed a planned fireworks show in Brussels.
City officials canceled the event after authorities this month found out about an alleged plot to break an al-Qaida suspect out of a Belgian prison.
"Fireworks would have meant a lot of people coming," city spokesman Nicolas Dassonville told Euronews.net. "We didn't want to run the risk given the current situation."
Dassonville said Belgians would still ring in 2008 Monday night at the Grand Plas in the city's center, although the ice rink and various vendors would be closed early and scores of police would be on hand.
City officials canceled the event after authorities this month found out about an alleged plot to break an al-Qaida suspect out of a Belgian prison.
"Fireworks would have meant a lot of people coming," city spokesman Nicolas Dassonville told Euronews.net. "We didn't want to run the risk given the current situation."
Dassonville said Belgians would still ring in 2008 Monday night at the Grand Plas in the city's center, although the ice rink and various vendors would be closed early and scores of police would be on hand.
© 2007 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
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This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
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