France receives 'threats' over its Libya role

Francois Fillon says France’s role in the multinational effort aimed at stopping attacks against Libyan civilians "can have domestic repercussions," and that French intelligence services have been mobilized.

French prime minister Francois Fillon delivers his speech, to explain the reasons of the French intervention in Libya at the National Assembly in Paris, on Tuesday. Photo: AP.

France’s prime minister says the country has received unspecified threats after taking a key role in the allied military campaign against Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi’s forces.

Francois Fillon says France’s role in the multinational effort aimed at stopping attacks against Libyan civilians “can have domestic repercussions,” and that French intelligence services have been mobilized.

Mr. Fillon said on Tuesday “threats were made” against France, but did not elaborate. He spoke at the start of a parliamentary debate over the country’s role in Libya.

France along with the United States, Britain and other European countries - with backing from Arab countries - has been leading the charge with air strikes and missile attacks against Col. Qadhafi’s forces since Saturday.