France praises Mosul operations

PARIS, Jan 19 (KUNA)--The French government on Thursday lauded the operation to stabilize Mosul and retake the city from so-called Islamic State militants, reaffirming "full support" for the Iraqi fight against the terrorist group.
"France praises the courage and efficiency of the Iraqi security forces, who have accomplished significant progress in the retaking of neighbourhoods in Mosul, with support of the international Coalition against Daesh (IS)," an official Foreign Ministry statement said.
But Paris urged that the military successes must also "contribute to a lasting improvement in conditions for the civilian populations." France is supporting the Mosul military operation with air strikes and also has deployed artillery batteries and military advisors with the Iraqi army to help in the battle.
"France reaffirms its full support of the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-ABadi in the fight against terrorism and efforts to work for national reconciliation," the French statement added. (end) jk.nam