French PM Valls says chemical warfare risk not ruled out

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls (L) attends the questions to the government session at the National Assembly in Paris, France, November 17, 2015. REUTERS/Charles Platiau

PARIS (Reuters) - France could face the risk of chemical or bacterial warfare in its fight against Islamist militants, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said on Thursday. "We must not rule anything out. I say it with all the precautions needed. But we know and bear in mind that there is also a risk of chemical or bacteriological weapons," Valls told parliament. "The macabre imagination of the masterminds is limitless," he said in a speech in the lower house of parliament meant to gain approval to an extension of the state of emergency. (Reporting by Geert Declercq; writing by Michel Rose; Editing by Dominic Evans)