Italian gov't condemns Paris terror attacks

The Italian government condemned late Friday night the terror attacks in Paris and vowed to increase security measures in Italy and fight terrorism.

"Italy mourns the victims of Paris and shares the grief of its French brothers. Europe has been hit in the heart but will react to barbarity," Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said.

At least 120 people were killed and more than 200 were injured during the shootings and explosions in Paris and its suburbs on Friday night.

"The horror that is shaking the French capital and the entire country leaves us astonished and dismayed," said President Sergio Mattarella.

Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said the Italian counterterrorism was "in constant contact with the French colleagues to follow very closely what happens in France, also in order to have additional preventive interventions.

Alfano called a special meeting on Saturday morning that will be chaired by Renzi and attended by Italian police and intelligence services chiefs.

The meeting was called to analyze what happened in Paris and take any necessary steps and further increase security levels in Italy.

Following the Paris attacks, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani cancelled his scheduled visit to Italy and France which was due to start on Saturday. Endit