Hollande pledges France's continued military support to Kurdistan

IRBIL, Sept 12 (KUNA) -- Visiting President of France Francois Hollande pledged Friday continued support to Iraqi Kurdistan region militarily in its war against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Hollande pointed out, in a joint press conference with President of Iraqi Kurdistan Masoud Barzani, his decision of delivering France's expertise to the Kurdish government in order to combat ISIL, adding that the French support was crucial in "changing balance of power." Hollande, first international leader to visit Kurdistan region, also disclosed plans to establish a humanitarian corridor for Iraqi refugees who fled their country, assuring his country's continued aid, along with Europe, to refugees, including those wanting to take refuge in France to be with their relatives.
He called on officials in Kurdistan Region to take part in the international conference "Peace and Security in Iraq," to be organized in France next Monday.
For his part, Barzani valued French support to the people of Kurdistan and Peshmerga troops which had a significant impact in boosting their spirits, reiterating the Region's determination in continuing to fight terrorism.
French President Francois Hollande arrived in Irbil on a short visit earlier in the day. (pickup previous) sbr.ma