Democracies in a state of war against terrorism, Quebec premier says in Paris

PARIS – Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard says democracies are in a “state of war” against terrorism.

He made the remarks Saturday after meeting with French Prime Minister Manuel Valls in Paris ahead of the United Nations COP21 climate change conference.

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Couillard saluted the “vigour and strength of the French Republic in this fight” while emphasizing the need to open the door to immigrants.

Valls said a “co-ordinated, global, efficient” response was needed to overcome the Islamic State.

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Security has overshadowed the environment in many of the policy meetings leading up to the international climate change conference that will formally begin Monday.