LOC14:05
11:05 GMT
PARIS, Dec 7 (KUNA) -- Recalling another use by Russia of its UN Security Council veto last weekend on the Syrian issue, French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday accused Moscow of "systematic obstruction" of efforts to get a truce and a humanitarian solution in the conflict, notably in Aleppo, the Elysee Palace said.
Speaking to his Defence and National Security Council, Hollande stressed that the Russian approach to the Syrian conflict "reassures (Syrian President) Bashar Al-Assad in his destructive logic which strikes against defenseless civilian populations."
The meeting was attended by newly-appointed Prime Minster Bernard Cazeneuve and other senior ministers with responsibility for national security issues and domestic and external operations. Military, police and intelligence chiefs also attended it.
The participants reviewed "the consequences of the double veto (Russia and China)" last weekend in New York and Hollande discussed the outcome that this veto will have on "the dramatic humanitarian situation in Aleppo."
The Council also examined on-going operations to stabilize the Mosul area and the French role in supporting the Iraqi Army from the air and on the ground in this zone.
A review of operations north of Al-Raqqa in Syria was also held in the framework of a general examination of the French deployment in the region.
France is using airbases in Jordan and the UAE for operations but is also flying sorties from the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier which is on site in the region, and it has deployed artillery units to support the Iraqi Army in Mosul.
The Defence Council also examined ways in which France can help bolster the Libyan "unity" government in light of the outbreak of violence in Tripoli these past days.
France is encouraging "progress in the perspective of an agreement between the Libyan parties that would help restore security and essential services for the population," the Elysee statement said.
France also welcomed the recent victory over so-called Islamic State forces in the city of Sirte, which was under IS control for the past 18 months. (end)
jk.rk