Paris attacks: Obama says US stands with France

[WASHINGTON] US President Barack Obama condemned the night of violence in Paris as an "attack on all of humanity" on Friday, vowing the bonds of liberty, equality, fraternity would not be broken.

"Those who think that they can terrorise the people of France or the values that they stand for are wrong," Mr Obama said in a hastily arranged appearance before reporters at the White House.

Mr Obama was briefed on the attacks, which have killed at least 39 people, by his counterterrorism advisor Lisa Monaco.

"We are reminded in this time of tragedy that the bonds of liberte, egalite, fraternite, are not just the values French people share, but we share." "Those go far beyond any act of terrorism or the hateful vision of those who perpetrated the crimes this evening."

The Department of Homeland Security reported there was "no specific or credible threat to the United States" in the wake of the attacks.

Earlier Friday, Mr Obama had spoken to French President Francois Hollande by telephone to discuss his visit to Paris later this month for climate talks.

Mr Obama said he had not immediately contacted Mr Hollande again, because the French president was busy responding to the crisis.

But Mr Obama pledged to work with France to bring those responsible to justice.

"Whenever these kinds of attacks happen, we've always been able to count on the French people to stand with us. They have been an extraordinary counterterrorism partner. And we intend to be there with them in that same fashion," Mr Obama said.

"We stand prepared and ready to provide whatever assistance the government and people of France need to respond." "It's an attack not just on the people of France. But this is an attack on all of humanity and the universal values we share." Mr Obama also expressed his resolve in tackling terror.

"We're going to do whatever it takes to work with the French people and with nations around the world to bring these terrorists to justice and to go after any terrorist networks that go after our people."

AFP