The United States is leading two different coalitions carrying out air strikes in Iraq and Syria, but Hollande repeated that for the moment Paris would make its decisions to strike in Syria independently, albeit in coordination with Washington.
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The war in the Middle Eastern country and Damascus’ links with Teheran and Moscow are expected to be the main topic in the UN General Assembly in New York, which French President Hollande will also attend together with other world leaders.
Assad’s brutal crushing of the 2011 peaceful demonstration in Daraa, which led to the civil war and the violence in Iraq and Syria, enabled the convergence of scores of extremist groups into Syria.
Hollande has been under political pressure to take action against IS after a series of jihadist attacks in France, and fears over hundreds of citizens who have gone to wage jihad who could return home battle-hardened and vengeful. Beyond military objectives, the strikes serve to bolster France’s position in helping find a solution to a crisis that includes Russian Federation and Iran.
While no specifics were provided about the location or timing of the air strikes, French military officials have said they would target ISIL training and logistical sites, according to French media reports.
Bishop said that 40 percent of refugees trying to enter Europe are coming from Syria, suggesting that additional strikes would help reduce that number.
President Francois Hollande announced earlier this month that he was preparing to send jets to Syria.
Earlier this week France announced it may carry out airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria as an act of self-defense. Hollande – who has ruled out sending ground troops into Syria – has cited “proof” of plans for attacks on France and the growing danger to Syrian civilians, with a large chunk of the population fleeing in a massive exodus.
“We’re not going to receive 4 to 5 million Syrians, so the problem has to be dealt with at source”, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour.
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Fabius said that the talks this week would also seek to clarify Russia’s military build-up in Syria, adding that if it went beyond defending its interests in the country it would complicate any political transition.
