France summons US envoy over “unacceptable” spying

Thursday, 25 June 2015 01:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

France on Wednesday summoned the U.S. ambassador to explain allegations of what French President Francois Hollande branded “unacceptable” spying by the United States on French officials.

Hollande held an emergency meeting of ministers and army commanders after WikiLeaks revelations that the United States National Security Agency (NSA) had spied on the last three French presidents.

“France will not tolerate actions that threaten its security and the protection of its interests,” a statement from the president’s office said, adding it was not the first time that allegations of U.S. spying on French interests had surfaced.

“Commitments were made by the U.S. authorities. They need to be recalled and strictly respected.”

The French Foreign Ministry summoned the U.S. ambassador to discuss the matter, a French diplomatic source said.

The U.S. Embassy declined to comment. A statement from the U.S. National Security Council said it was not targeting and will not target Hollande’s communications. The statement did not say whether spying had taken place in the past.