Furious France summons U.S. ambassador over WikiLeaks spying claims

France has summoned the U.S. ambassador after claims the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) spied on the past three French presidents, according to reports. Material released by WikiLeaks claims the NSA wiretapped former presidents Jacques Chirac, Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande. The alleged spying took place from 2006 until May 2012, the month Hollande took over the presidency from Sarkozy. Hollande, speaking after a defence council meeting on Wednesday, said the spying was “unacceptable” and warned Paris would not tolerate actions that threatened national security.

France will not tolerate actions that threaten its security and the protection of its interests. Commitments were made by US authorities. They need to be recalled and strictly respected.

French President Francois Hollande

The French Foreign Ministry summoned the U.S. ambassador to discuss the matter, a diplomatic source told Reuters news agency. Earlier on Wednesday, government spokesman told i>TELE television: “We find it hard to understand or imagine what motivates an ally so spy on allies who are often on the same strategic positions in world affairs.” French cabinet ministers and the French ambassador to the US were also targeted by NSA agents, according to WikiLeaks. U.S. National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said in a statement that the U.S. government would not comment on the specifics of the leak.

As a general matter, we do not conduct any foreign intelligence surveillance activities unless there is a specific and validated national security purpose. This applies to ordinary citizens and world leaders alike.

Ned Price, U.S. National Security Council spokesman

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