France 'won't tolerate' threats to security after US spy claims

France 'won't tolerate' threats to security after US spy claims

PARIS - The French presidency said Wednesday it "will not tolerate any acts that threaten its security" after leaked documents indicated the US spied on President Francois Hollande and his two predecessors.

"Commitments were made by the US authorities," the Elysee Palace said in a statement, referring to promises by the US in late 2013 not to spy on France's leaders.

"They must be remembered and strictly respected."

The statement followed a meeting of the defence council, which includes top cabinet ministers and heads of the intelligence services, called by Hollande after news of the claims from WikiLeaks emerged late Tuesday.

The president's office described the actions of the US National Security Agency as "unacceptable".

They have "already led to discussions between the United States and France, notably in 2013 at the time of the first revelations," the statement said, referring to leaked documents that showed the US had spied on German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The issue was again discussed when Hollande visited the White House in February 2014, the statement added.

"France, which has once again reinforced its control and protection measures, will not tolerate any act that threatens its security and the protection of its interests."

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