Paris attacks have countries ramping up security, debating immigration policy

The deadly attacks in Paris on Friday have countries around the world ramping up security anddebating their defence and immigration policies.

• 3 teams launched Parisassaults, prosecutor says
• Paris attacks draw condemnation from world leaders
• Witnesses describe scenes of carnage and chaos in Paris
• Paris attacks raise questions about security, immigration

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks Friday night by gunmen and suicide bombers who targeted a stadium, concert hall and restaurants in and around Paris, killing 129people and injuring hundreds more.

News thatat least one suicide bomberwho targeted the national stadium had aSyrian passport and crossed into the European Union through the Greek island of Leroshas some countries debating how they should handle the global refugee crisis.

Canada vows 'safe and responsible' refugee intake

Canada has not backed down fromits promise to accept 25,000 Syrianrefugees by the end of the year.

A senior official inthe Prime Minister's Office speaking told reporters Saturday the government will ensurerefugees that are brought to Canada will be chosen in a "safe and responsible" manner to deal with possible security threats.

Stphane Dion reacts to Paris attacks

9 years ago

Duration 4:53

'Immense sadness but also absolute resolution to fight what the president of France rightly called an act of war,' Canada's foreign affairs minister says

Canada is also sticking to its plan to pullfighter jets from the U.S.-ledbombing mission against ISIS in Iraq.

"We think Canada may be more optimally helping the coalition in reallocating our efforts in training, in support of many kinds to the local fighters[and] local police, humanitarian help,"Foreign Affairs Minister StphaneDionsaid Saturday. "This is the aim of what we are doing. It's not to withdraw. Tothe contrary: It's to be more effective."

In a statement, theRCMPsaid it wasnot aware of any immediate and specific relatedthreats arising from the Paris attacks but urged Canadians to be alert.

As well, theRCMPsaidtheirIntegrated National Security Enforcement Teams have all been tasked "to review their files and targets and to bevigilant for any inspirational effect these attacks may have."

Poland backs out of refugee promise

In light of the Paris attacks, Poland said it cannot go ahead with European Uniondecisions on immigration and accept refugees without guarantees of security.

Konrad Szymanski, Poland's prospective minister for European affairs, told reporters that "this is a key condition that today was put under a giant question mark in all of Europe."

Szymanski is in Poland's new conservative government that is to be sworn in Monday. The outgoing government agreed to accept 7,000 refugees from Syria and Eritrea over the next two years.

In comments online, Szymanski said Poland must have "full control" of its borders and migration policy.

Germany urges compassion

Germany's vice-chancellor has warned against a crackdown on refugees andmigrants coming to Europe because of the deadly Paris attacks.

SigmarGabriel saidthose seeking refuge in Europe shouldn't be made to suffer just because "they come from those regions where terror is being exported to us and to the world."

Chancellor AngelaMerkel'sdeputiestold reporters in Berlin on Saturday that "we stand to protect them too, and to ensure that they don't have to suffer because murderers in France are threatening people and Europe in the name of a religion."

Beefed-up security

Interpol saidit has set up a "crisis response task force" at its headquarters in southeastern France following the deadly attacks.

France has declared a state of emergency,shutting down its major tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.

German authorities have increased security measures at public places such as train stations and Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said more extremists could be on the run.

Thecountry has also ramped up border controls with France.DeMaizieretold reporters in Berlin that the move follows a request from France to all of itsneighboursto increase controls along their common borders.

DeMaizieresaid the checks would take place on road, rail and plane connections with France.

Gun laws debated

London's police chief saidauthorities will review their approach to a firearms attack following the tragic attacks and will put high-visibility patrols at key locations across the capital.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe says the "scale of the attacks and the range of weaponry used by the terrorists are a serious cause for concern."

However, Britain has refrained from raising its security level from "severe," where it has stood since summer 2014, which means an attack is considered highly likely.

Hogan-Howe said in a statement Saturday that police are currently working on hundreds of active investigations and making an arrest a day on average.

Global events spark fear

A French official told Reuters earlier on Saturday that the global climate summitin Paris will continue as planned at the end of November, butwith beefed-up security.

U.S. President Barack Obamasaid he willattendas planned.

Organizers of the European soccer championship faced renewed concerns about how to protect fans attending 51 matches in 10 stadiums around the country next year.

Friday night's deadly bloodshed started when two explosions went off outside Stade de France during the national team's match against Germany. The same stadium will host the tournament's opening game on June 10 and the final one month later.

"There was already a concern for the Euros, now it's obviously a lot higher," French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet acknowledged.

"We will continue to do everything we can so that security is assured despite all the risks that this entails. I know that everyone is vigilant."