“I have asked the Defence Ministry that from Tuesday, September 08, surveillance flights can be launched over Syria, allowing us to plan airstrikes against Daesh [ISIL],” Hollande told a press conference in Paris.
“What we want is to know what is being prepared against us and what is being done against the Syrian population,” he added.
He confirmed that France would not send ground troops into the country.
“I consider it would be inconsequential and unrealistic to send French troops into Syria on the ground,” he said.
He further added that it was unrealistic “because we would be the only ones” and also risked being “transformed into an occupation force”
“So we won’t do it,” he said. “It’s for regional forces to take their responsibilities. France, however, will work to find political solutions.”
He said that finding a political transition that sidelined Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was “essential”.
“The transition is an essential point. Nothing must be done that can consolidate or maintain Bashar al-Assad,” he said.
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