Paris attacks have countries ramping up security, debating immigration policy
Germany warns against crackdown on refugees and migrants as Poland backs out of EU agreement
The deadly attacks in Paris on Friday have countries around the world ramping up security and debating their defence and immigration policies.
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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 129 people and injuring hundreds more.
News that at least one suicide bomber who targeted the national stadium had a Syrian passport and crossed into the European Union through the Greek island of Leros has some countries debating how they should handle the global refugee crisis.
Canada vows 'safe and responsible' refugee intake
Canada has not backed down from its promise to accept 25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of the year.
A senior official in the Prime Minister's Office speaking told reporters Saturday the government will ensure refugees that are brought to Canada will be chosen in a "safe and responsible" manner to deal with possible security threats.
Canada is also sticking to its plan to pull fighter jets from the U.S.-led bombing 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 Stéphane Dion said Saturday. "This is the aim of what we are doing. It's not to withdraw. To the contrary: It's to be more effective."
In a statement, the RCMP said it was not aware of any immediate and specific related threats arising from the Paris attacks but urged Canadians to be alert.
As well, the RCMP said their Integrated National Security Enforcement Teams have all been tasked "to review their files and targets and to be vigilant 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 Union decisions 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 and migrants coming to Europe because of the deadly Paris attacks.
Sigmar Gabriel said those 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 Angela Merkel's deputies told 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 said it 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.
The country has also ramped up border controls with France. De Maiziere told reporters in Berlin that the move follows a request from France to all of its neighbours to increase controls along their common borders.
De Maiziere said the checks would take place on road, rail and plane connections with France.
Gun laws debated
London's police chief said authorities 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 summit in Paris will continue as planned at the end of November, but with beefed-up security.
U.S. President Barack Obama said he will attend as 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."
With files from CBC News, Reuters and The Canadian Press