FILE PHOTO: French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault speaks with journalists about the fight against ISIS and the recent terrorist attack in London at the French Ambassador’s Residence in Washington, D.C., U.S. March 22, 2017. REUTERS/Aaron P. Bernstein
France is still seeking a United Nations Security Council resolution on Syria, the country’s foreign minister said on Thursday, adding that diplomatic negotiations were a priority over possible military action.
“France is still seeking to talk with its partners on the Security Council, especially the permanent members, and Russia in particular,” Jean-Marc Ayrault told CNews television.
Asked whether France could join any possible U.S. military action on Syria, following widespread condemnation of a suspected Syrian government poison gas attack on civilians this week, Ayrault replied that France’s priority remained seeking a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
“The first stage is to get a resolution vote and above all to re-start peace negotiations in Geneva. It is not to go in ourselves, under the pretext that the U.S. President may have a rush of blood to the head, and get onto a war footing,” said Ayrault.
By Reuters
