Statement by NSC Spokesperson Bernadette Meehan on Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa O. Monaco’s Meeting with Ambassador Gerard Araud of France

Today, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco met with Ambassador Gerard Araud of France at the White House to discuss ongoing U.S.-French cooperation in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Paris last week.  On behalf of President Obama, Ms. Monaco offered condolences to the family and friends of the 12 people murdered in the horrific terrorist attack on the Charlie Hebdo magazine office, the policewoman killed the following day, and the 4 people murdered in the attack on the kosher market.

Ambassador Araud provided an update on the progress of the French investigation into the attacks.  Following on her calls with senior French security officials last week, Ms. Monaco reviewed with the ambassador information from U.S. law enforcement and intelligence channels that has been shared with French authorities.  They also discussed the upcoming White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism to be held on February 18, which the Ambassador welcomed and said that France would fully support.   Ambassador Araud thanked Ms. Monaco for unwavering U.S. support to France in the aftermath of the attacks, expressing appreciation for intelligence and law enforcement cooperation, President Obama’s call to President Hollande on January 7, and the President’s visit to the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. on January 8 immediately following the attack.  Ms. Monaco reiterated that the United States will continue to support France in its investigation as they work to identify, apprehend, and bring to justice those who helped plan or enable these attacks.