France says terror threat is real

PARIS, France - The risk of a terrorist attack against France is "real," the interior minister, Brice Hortefeux, says.
Osama bin Laden's threats to kill French nationals "would fit into the pattern of different threats that have already been made against our country and our citizens," the minister said, and he added that "French vigilance is complete."
In recent weeks, French officials have warned about a heightened terrorism risk but haven't yet raised the country's terror alert to its highest level.
COMMENT: Before the minister categorized the terrorist threat as serious, Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden had just warned France that its security was at risk for supporting U.S. policies toward Muslim-majority countries and for banning Muslim women from wearing veils.
In a recording aired by Al Jazeera television on October 27, bin Laden said, "The equation is simple and easy. As you kill you shall be killed, as you take hostages you shall be taken hostage, and as you infringe on our security we shall infringe on your security."
"How is it fair that you take part in occupying our countries and you back the Americans in killing our women and children and then you wish to live in security and safety? ... If you have acted unjustly and thought it was right to prevent our free women from wearing headdresses, is it not our right to oust your men by striking their necks."
Bin Laden also confirmed that abduction last month of French citizens in Niger, west Africa, was to punish France for its "unjust" policies toward Muslims.