LOC21:05
18:05 GMT
PARIS, July 30 (KUNA) -- French President Francois Hollande held a conversation Wednesday with Iraq's new president, Fuad Massoum, to discuss the internal situation in his country, Hollande's office said in a statement.
After congratulating Massoum, Hollande expressed "deep concern faced with the installation of the terrorist group, Islamic State in Iraq and Levant, and recalled the urgency of finding a political solution through the nomination of a Prime Minister and a unity government," the statement said.
The French leader also expressed "very great worry" concerning the "persecutions ... by the terrorist groups of Christians, which are an essential component of the Republic of Iraq."
Hollande called for the need to assure protection of minorities in Iraq so that they can stay in that country as they so wish and he also urged Massoum to work "to preserve the richness and diversity of Iraq."
The two men also discussed potential French assistance to Iraq to help civilian populations in need there. (end)
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