LOC20:31
17:31 GMT
PARIS, Aug 22 (KUNA) -- French President Francois Hollande and Amir Sheikh
Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani of Qatar met for talks here Wednesday evening and
confirmed a convergence of views on the Syrian conflict and agreed to
coordinate their efforts to promote transition in that country.
An official statement said that the two men had discussed bilateral
relations but "the conversation principally addressed the situation in Syria."
Hollande, for the third day running, reiterated his view that Syrian
President Bashar Al-Assad must step down if there is to be a political
settlement in Syria.
The French leader also told Sheikh Hamad of "France's determination to give
effective support" to those working for democratic change in Syria, "including
on the ground."
France, for some time now, has been supplying opposition fighters with
logistical aid, including communications equipment, intelligence and also
medical supplies and humanitarian aid.
Paris, however, says it will not supply weapons to the insurgents, yet
Syria accuses Qatar of furnishing the opposition fighters with arms.
The French have also set up a military-run field hospital on the
Syrian-Jordanian border and are treating wounded rebel fighters and refugees
fleeing across the border from Syria.
"The President of the Republic and the Emir of Qatar noted the convergence
of their views and decided to coordinate efforts so that a political
transition can take place in an orderly manner in Syria as soon as possible,"
a statement from Hollande's office said (pick-up previous)
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KUNA 222031 Aug 12NNNN