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Raqqa liberation "major step" in destroying IS, says Macron

PARIS, Oct 20 (KUNA) -- The liberation of the Syrian city of Raqqa from the control of the so-called Islamic State (IS) is a "major step" in the destruction of that terrorist organization, French President Emmanuel Macron said Friday.
However, the fight against IS is still not over, Macron said in a statement to commemorate the official announcement of victory of Arab and Kurdish forces over IS and the taking of its self-declared "capital".
Macron praised the action of the liberating forces, backed by the international coalition against the terrorist group.
It was from Raqqa that many terrorist operations throughout the Middle East, Europe, and around the world were planned and managed, he noted.
The French President also indicated that more efforts are needed in the fight against IS, adding that the huge challenges now are to stabilize and rebuild zones that were affected by the conflict.
"These challenges are not any less than those of the military campaign against the terror group," said Macron.
The fight against IS does not stop with the fall of Raqqa, he said, affirming his country's willingness to maintain its military efforts as long as they are necessary.
Ahead of fresh peace talks on Syria to be held in Geneva, the French President also urged renewed energy and efforts to find a peaceful solution to that conflict.
"Syria must finally find a way out of the civil war, which has fed terrorism since the repression of the democratic movement by the regime of Bashar Al-Assad," said Macron.
"A negotiated political solution is more than ever necessary," he remarked in his statement.
In the meantime, he called for "inclusive governance" in the zones that have been freed from IS control, and urged respect for "all communities" living in these "de facto" security zones.
"This principle should, in the first place, apply to the town of Raqqa in an approach that allows for normal living conditions to be re-established, the return of displaced populations and refugees, and the lasting return of peace and stability," the French President stated. (end) jk.ma