Valls: France will face more threats

PRIME MINISTER Manuel Valls warned France was still under threat from attack by accomplices of the gunmen who carried out last week’s atrocities, as well as global terror networks.

He told MPs at a special session of the National Assembly to honour the victims of the terror attacks that: “Serious and very high risks remain, those linked to possible accomplices, or those coming from networks, terrorists who give orders, or cyberattacks.”

In a powerful speech punctuated by thunderous applause from the gathered MPs, Mr Valls said: “After the emotion and recollection comes the time of clarity and action.

“Yes, France is at war against terrorism, jihadism and radical Islamism. France is not at war against Islam and Muslims. France will protect, as it always has, all its citizens with determination and composure, whether they believe it or not.”

And he promised an “implacable response” to any acts of terror, but added: "An extraordinary situation must be met exceptional measures. But I say this with the same force: no exceptional measures will be at variance with the principle of law and our values.”

He said that interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve and justice minister Christiane Taubira were working on proposals to improve security.

“I do not want Jews to be afraid, I do not want to be ashamed of Muslims. The Republic is fraternal, generous and she welcome everyone," he insisted.

Earlier, MPs had stood for a minute’s silence to honour the victims, before breaking out into a spontaneous rendition of La Marseillaise.

Photo: Screengrab / France 3