Obama stresses anti-terror cooperation in phone talks with leaders

U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday underscored the counterterrorism cooperation over the phone with leaders of France, Britain and Tunisia, the White House said.

While speaking with French President Francois Hollande, Obama offered his condolences for the loss of life that took place last week in a terrorist attack near Lyon, France, and underscored U.S. commitment to continue ongoing counterterrorism partnership with France, the White House said in a statement.

On Friday, a group of attackers stormed an American-owned gas factory in the French town of Isere, southwest of Lyon, decapitating one person and attempting to blow up the plant.

In his telephone talk with Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi, Obama offered condolences and support following the terrorist attack near Sousse, Tunisia Friday. At least 37 people were killed after at least one gunman opened fire at tourists on a beach resort in Sousse.

Obama reaffirmed U.S. readiness to assist with the investigation and pledged to continue strengthening cooperation on counterterrorism and broader security issues with the Tunisian government.

Obama also expressed condolences over the phone to British Prime Minister David Cameron for a number of British citizens killed in Friday's terrorist attack in Tunisia and offered support in the aftermath of the attack.

Obama and Cameron reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to work together with their partners in Europe, the Middle East, and around the world to confront terrorism and counter violent extremist ideologies, the White House said. Endite