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Macron, Putin hold call to discuss Syrian conflict

PARIS, Nov 3 (KUNA) -- French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Friday held a telephone conversation to discuss several issues but mainly the ongoing Syrian conflict, official sources said.
Macron recalled to Putin "the red lines" that he had set out regarding Syria, specifically on the use of chemical weapons and the absolute need to give humanitarian access in Syrian areas, the Elysee Palace said in a statement.
Macron said some months ago that he would "riposte" militarily to any use of chemical weapons in Syria, following the attack in April on Khan Sheikhoun which saw over 80 people killed by a Sarin gas attack by the Syrian regime.
The French leader urged Putin to support the renewal of the Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) which monitors and investigates chemical weapons use and has found that both the regime and so-called Islamic State (IS) have used such banned weapons.
Macron pointed out that the JIM was "put in place with Russia's agreement" and he praised the body's competence and impartiality.
The JIM also concluded that Damascus was behind the Khan Sheikhoun attack, but Russia disputes that finding and is threatening to block renewal of the JIM's mandate later this month.
"France will not give in on the fight against impunity and the full and complete dismantling of the Syrian chemical programme," Macron told Putin.
He also pushed on the issue of humanitarian relief and asked Russia "to use all its influence on the Damascus regime" so that humanitarian access can be provided in East Ghouta, where there are large number of civilians in distress.
The two men also discussed the Astana process for contacts between the Syrian parties and Macron stressed the need to put all efforts into the political process and in the framework set out by the UN Security Council.
Both French and Russian leaders also agreed on the necessity of a rigorous implementation of the nuclear agreement with Iran. (end) jk.bs