French FM says military strikes alone won't defeat IS in Iraq
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 1 June 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, French FM says military strikes alone won't defeat IS in Iraq, 1 June 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/558bc4d015.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 01, 2015
France's foreign minister says air strikes against Islamic State (IS) extremists will be effective only if there is political reconciliation in Iraq.
Laurent Fabius said the Iraqi population conquered by the extremists will not rise up against them "unless there is a feeling that the government is inclusive."
Fabius was speaking in Germany on June 1, a day ahead of an international conference to tackle the problem of IS.
Analysts say Iraq's government has faced criticism for alienating Sunni Muslims, and French and U.S. officials are impatient with what they see as sluggish efforts at reconciliation.
IS militants seized Ramadi, the capital of the country's largest Sunni province of Anbar, after Iraqi forces fled in disarray.
Fabius drew the line at sending in French forces, saying Iraq's army had to do its own fighting.
Based on reporting by AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
