Hollande praises progress against IS forces in Mosul

PARIS, Jan 18 (KUNA) -- French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday welcomed the progress by Iraqi and Coalition forces against the so-called Islamic State (IS) in the Iraqi city of Mosul, where efforts to stabilise and retake control of the city are underway.
Hollande was speaking at a Defence and Security Council meeting which brought together senior members of his government, as well as military, security and intelligence officials.
The French leader "praised the important advances achieved these past days by the Iraqi forces supported by the Coalition against Daesh (IS) in the city of Mossul," the Elysee Palace said in a statement.
In addition, "the President expressed satisfaction over the actions of French forces in the Sahel, which he was able to evaluate during his visit to the Gao airbase (northern Mali) on January 13," it was added.
But Hollande was less happy with developments in Syria, his office noted, saying he was anxious to see UN-sponsored talks resume to address the conflict and promote a solution.
"The President of the Republic expressed concern about the evolution of the situation in Syria, which is showing the need to rapidly resume negotiations under the aegis of the United Nations with the aim of a lasting political solution to the crisis," the Elysee indicated.
Hollande also repeated his position that "the liberation of Al-Raqqa (the IS base in Syria) remains a priority objective to pursue" and he said this was vital for the security of France, which has been attacked several times by IS operatives under orders from Al-Raqqa.
More than 230 people have died here and hundreds have been wounded in terror attacks by so-called Islamic State "soldiers" since January 2015 and France is on the highest state of alert for the terrorist threat. (end) jk.mt