Security operation begins early Saturday in Paris ahead of Notre Dame reopening

(7 Dec 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Paris, France - 7 December 2024
1. Wide of Notre Dame Cathedral
2. Media
3. Various of security forces
4. Pedestrian taking photos
5. Various of security
6. Pedestrian
7. Various of local resident Stephanie Asscher
8. SOUNDBITE (French) Stephanie Asscher, local resident:
"The reconstruction just as it (Notre Dame) was before is really important because it is our history. So it had to be rebuilt identically. And I look forward to being able to visit it and to see the opening ceremony of this magnificent monument."
9. Various of security
10. Canadian tourist Noelle Alexandria looking at the cathedral
11. Wide of top of Notre Dame Cathedral
12. SOUNDBITE (English) Noelle Alexandria, Canadian tourist, she came to Paris especially for the re-opening:
"I'm hoping what happens today is that people can take some inspiration in her (Notre Dame's) resiliency. It's not the first time she's been nearly in ruin, and every time it's happened, she's always managed to bounce back. Not many of us could really say that we would do the same, be able to keep coming back no matter what tragedy strike us, but she has."
13. Notre Dame
14. Various of security
STORYLINE:
The security forces operation began early on Saturday in Paris to surround the Notre Dame Cathedral, as the historic monument prepares for its reopening.
Security will be tight all through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year.
The Île de la Cité - the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame - will be closed to tourists and non-residents, with access restricted to invitees and those who live on the island.
Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens.
Paris resident Stephanie Asscher will attend the reopening ceremony.
"The reconstruction just as it (Notre Dame) was before is really important because it is our history. So it had to be rebuilt identically," she said.
Wearing the traditional beret, Canadian tourist Noelle Alexandria said she came to Paris specifically to watch the ceremony and she arrived at the venue before sunrise.
The archbishop's reopening of the cathedral doors will be followed by a liturgical service and the reawakening of the grand organ, ending with the celebratory concert that will honor Notre Dame’s cultural and spiritual significance.
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[@HaveanOreshnik]

Those guards won't protect you from the Russian Bear 😂 🇷🇺