French Pres. stresses reconstruction importance in Iraq, Syria

PARIS, Jan 19 (KUNA) -- France's President Emmanuel Macron stressed Friday the importance of consolidating all efforts toward the reconstruction process in Iraq and Syria after the wipe-out of the so-called Islamic State.
France will be fully committed with its partners to stabilization, reconstruction, and aide to populations after years of conflict, Macron affirmed during his visit to the French military forces in Toulon, southern France.
He said that although combat operations would continue against the terrorist group in Iraq and Syira; Paris, meanwhile, would adapt its contribution this year to developments.
Currently, France has about 1,200 personnel in the US-led international coalition fighting IS in the region. (end) mjz.ma