12:48 GMT +321 August 2019

March 7, 2017 frame grab from video provided by Arab 24 network, shows fighters from the Syrian Democratic forces standing near US military vehicles on the outskirts of the Syrian town, Manbij, a flashpoint between Turkish troops and allied Syrian fighters and U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters, in al-Asaliyah village, Aleppo province, Syria

Macron Voices Deep Regret Over US Decision to Withdraw Troops From Syria

© AP Photo / Arab 24 network

18:31 23.12.2018(updated 18:58 23.12.2018) Get short URL

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PARIS (Sputnik) - French Economic Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau claimed that Paris would maintain its military presence in Syria, while French Defence Minister Florence Parly refused to confirm that statement.

"France will continue to be involved in the Eastern Mediterranean… As for the question concerning our US allies, I deeply regret the [US] decision on Syria", Macron said at a joint press conference with his Chadian counterpart Idriss Deby.

The president stressed that being allies meant to "fight shoulder to shoulder", stating that nobody should forget about the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), fighting against terrorists in the region.

READ MORE: 'Let Them Eat Cake': Users on Macron Sharing Champagne With French Army in Chad

"An ally must be reliable and act in coordination with other allies", he added.

Fighters from the SDF. (File)

© AP Photo / Syrian Democratic Forces

France Reportedly Promised Kurdish SDF Support Amid US Withdrawal from Syria

The president's comment comes after White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders announced earlier this month that the United States had begun the pullout of its forces from Syria. She noted that the troops' withdrawal did not mean the end of the US-led international coalition's fight against the Daesh* terrorist group. The statement followed President Donald Trump’s remark about Daesh's defeat in Syria.

* Daesh (ISIL/ISIS/IS/Islamic State) is a terrorist organisation banned in Russia

Related:: Netanyahu: Israel to Boost Ops Against Iran in Syria Amid US Pullout

: Turkey Reportedly Redeploys Troops to Border With Syria Amid US Pullout

: Professor on Trump's Syria Pullout: 'Generals Were Caught Off Guard'

: Daesh Presence in Syria is 'Manna to US' - Veteran War Journalist

Tags:

military withdrawal, troop withdrawal, US troop withdrawal, withdrawal, US-led coalition, Daesh, Emmanuel Macron, Donald Trump, Syria, United States, France

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