The former French ambassador to Moscow has warned that France is under “attack” and that the country is in a situation of conflict with “Russia.”
France is in chaos hours before the Olympic ceremony is due to start as the high speed rail lines have been attacked by arsonists in a “large scale sabotage” causing major travel disruption.
Late morning on Friday a French airport is being evacuated for “safety reasons” following the “massive, coordinated arson attack.”
On Facebook the Basel Mulhouse Airport which is located on the French-Swiss border wrote, “We regret this inconvenience – it is for the safety of passengers and employees.”
The airport has since reopened, they said in an update at the 12.42pm on Friday, “The airport has reopened and flight operations are gradually restarting.
“Passengers are requested to contact their airline for information about their flight.”
Former French ambassador to Moscow Jean de Gliniasty warned that either Russia or the far-left might be responsible for the attacks in France.
He said, “We are obviously in a situation of conflict with Russia, and Russia is obviously not going to do anything, and that’s an understatement, to help these Olympic Games be a success.”
Jean-Pierre Faranadou who is the head of the national rail operator SNCF said, “Today, it’s the major [holiday] departures that are under attack…it’s the French who are under attack.”
Faranadou blasted that the plans for tens of thousands who are coming to France to watch the Olympic Games is now “ruined.”
Paris has been severely disrupted and French officials have described the events which have unfolded on Friday as “criminal actions” and “sabotage.”
Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete told BFM television, that people were seen fleeing from the fires after finding incendiary devices, he added, “Everything indicates that these are criminal fires.”
In the River Seine police divers have been checking the water before the opening ceremony begins and rail workers with the police are checking railway lines
The French rail operator SNCF has warned that the travel disruption could last beyond the weekend.
SNCF said, “Deliberate fires were set to damage our facilities.”
In a statement added, “The situation is expected to last at least during the whole weekend while the network [is] repaired.”
The rail operator continued that setting the rail lines on fire with incendiary devices is a “malicious act” which has been “thwarted” on the south east line.
SNCF added, “Therefore trains towards Lyon, Alps, PACA region, run on a normal basis.”
Eurostar has told customer to cancel their trips if they can after the “co-ordinated” attacks in France.
Eurostar said in a statement, “Due to co-ordinated acts of malice in France, affecting the high-speed line between Paris and Lille, all high-speed trains going to and coming from Paris are being diverted via the classic line today Friday July 26.
“This extends the journey time by around an hour-and-a-half. Several trains have been cancelled.
“Eurostar’s teams are fully mobilised in stations, in the call centres, and onboard to ensure that all passengers are informed and can reach their destination. We encourage our customers to postpone their trip if possible.”
