France summons US ambassador over spying claims: Diplomatic source

US Secretary of State John Kerry (centre), accompanied by French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius (2nd left) and US Ambassador to France Jane Hartley (2nd right), participates in a wreath-laying ceremony marking France's 70th anniversary of the allied victory over Nazi Germany in Paris, France on May 8, 2015. PHOTO: REUTERS

PARIS (AFP) - French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has summoned the United States ambassador over leaked documents that suggest her government spied on President Francois Hollande and his two predecessors, a diplomatic source said on Wednesday.

The source told AFP that US Ambassador Jane Hartley had been summoned for a meeting on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the documents published by Wikileaks on Tuesday.

The French presidency said on Wednesday it "will not tolerate any acts that threaten its security". "Commitments were made by the US authorities," the Elysee Palace said in a statement, referring to promises by the US in late 2013 not to spy on France's leaders. "They must be remembered and strictly respected."

The statement followed a meeting of the defence council, which includes top Cabinet ministers and heads of the intelligence services, called by Mr Hollande after news of the claims from WikiLeaks emerged.

The President's office described the actions of the US National Security Agency as "unacceptable".

They have "already led to discussions between the United States and France, notably in 2013 at the time of the first revelations", the statement said, referring to leaked documents that showed the US had spied on German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The issue was again discussed when Mr Hollande visited the White House in February 2014, the statement added.

"France, which has once again reinforced its control and protection measures, will not tolerate any act that threatens its security and the protection of its interests."

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.