France: We to stay in Syrian at present

NEWS DESK

The French Minister of European Affairs Nathalie Loazou told CNW television that her country would maintain its military presence in Syria despite the United States' decision to withdraw its troops from there.

She added, "We will remain in Syria for now because combating IS remains the main issue."

She pointed out that despite the successes, the fight against terrorism has not been over yet. Many achievements have been made in Syria and this is true. We have done a lot in Syria alongside the Coalition, but the struggle continues and we will continue it.

She concluded, "We must think again about the need for a strategic independence when making decisions in Europe. When we face direct threats, we must decide and act independently. We may have our own priorities."

The French Defense Minister Florence Barley said on Twitter, "IS have been weaker than ever before," in response to the US President Donald Trump's announcement on Wednesday about IS' defeat.

She added quoting from Reuters, "But IS mercenaries and their roots have not been erased from the map, and it is necessary to defeat this terrorist organization decisively in the last pockets."

A minister in the government said on Thursday, December 20th after the US President Donald Trump surprised Washington's allies by issuing orders to the US troops to return to the homeland, "France will continue to participate in the Coalition that is fighting IS in Syria."