On April 25, French President Emmanuel Macron claimed to increase France’s military involvement in Syria to put the end in the fight against ISIS.
At a briefing in Washington, Macron stressed that his country’s “first focus” is the war against the ISIS terror group:
“We are fully committed, and we will continue and increase our commitment within the framework of the international coalition”, the president stated. “We will work in cooperation to fortify the security in the region.”
According to Russian news agency TASS, Macron stated the importance of negotiations with Russia on the settlement in Syria, as well as creating a bridge between the Geneva and Astana processes:
“Our willingness is for this new small group to create a bridge between the Geneva process and the Astana process to have a discussion encompassing all the allies of the regime and to open a line with Russia and Turkey.”
French President said that the specified group was established several weeks ago. It includes the US, France, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which are working very closely.
Macron also underlined his willingness to support back the US presence in Syria:
“Your president [Donald Trump] said he would stop the involvement of US troops as soon as the war against ISIS is completed. We’re in the same position… Our willingness is to be totally committed in this war against ISIS, no more than that.”
On April 24, French President with his wife payed a visit to the White House followed a private dinner between the two leaders and their wives. During the meeting, counterparts discussed the Iranian nuclear deal and the deteriorating situation over Syria.
It seems the US and its allies are not more hurrying up to withdraw troops from Syria despite Trump’s earlier promises to do this “soon”.
