Obama, Cameron pledge to help seek justice for Paris attacks
Updated: 2015-01-17 07:13
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||||
WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron pledged a joint effort Friday to fight domestic terrorism following deadly attacks in France.
Cameron's visit to Washington came one week after 17 people were killed in attacks in France, heightening fears in Europe and the United States about the spread of terrorism.
"This is a problem that causes great heartache and tragedy and destruction," Obama said in a joint news conference with Cameron. "But it is one that ultimately we are going to defeat."
The prime minister was blistering in his assessment of those responsible for the attacks, calling them part of a "poisonous, fanatical, death cult."
"We know what we're up against, and we know how we will win," Cameron said. He spoke as British police chiefs announced that the Paris attack on a kosher supermarket and anti-Semitic rhetoric from extremists had led them to study ways to increase protection for the Jewish community.
The prime minister arrived in Washington with a request for Obama to help persuade US technology companies to give governments more access to encrypted communications that terrorists may use to plot attacks.
Cameron's policy proposals have stoked concern on both sides of the Atlantic about the prospect of security efforts encroaching on privacy, particularly in the wake of the 2013 spying disclosures by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden.
"As technology develops, as the world moves on, we should try to avoid the safe havens that would otherwise be created for terrorists to talk," Cameron said.
Obama didn't take a position on Cameron's proposal, but he did say it was important to be able to keep tabs on terrorists who are using social media and the Internet.
Related Stories
Obama hosting UK's David Cameron for working dinner 2015-01-16 09:34
10 arrests in Paris, bomb threat closes train station 2015-01-16 16:59
Kerry offers 'big hug' to Paris after attacks 2015-01-16 16:30
Man held in Belgium over possible weapons sale to Paris attacker 2015-01-16 03:42
Yemen's al-Qaida claims responsibility for Paris attacks 2015-01-14 19:38
France, Israel mourn; Man linked to Paris attacker held 2015-01-13 21:32
Today's Top News
Belgian police kill two in raid on suspected Islamists
Chinese fleet brings out the crowds in visit to Britain
US, German urge implementation of ceasefire deals in Ukraine
Obama hosting UK's David Cameron for working dinner
Keeping in step with the shanghai beat
The Uygur who puts the accent firmly on Beijing
Thai railway project to commence in September
Italian president resigns
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
CES: Spotlight on Chinese gadgets |
Yearender: What happened around the globe in 2014 |
National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre victims |
Corrupt female officials spark debate |
Blue skies ready to greet APEC |
Growth pangs |