Syria - Q&A - Excerpts from the daily press briefing (12.06.18)

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Q - Do you think that the Coordination Mechanism for talks between the “small group” and the Astana Process is already compromised in view of the Idlib offensive, which reportedly included Russian strikes?

A - France reiterates that there can be no military solution to the conflict. In this regard, it expresses its concern following air strikes against the towns of Zardana, Taftanaz and Binnish in Idlib province, which killed 61 people in recent days and left a pediatric hospital and the hospital in the town of Binnish inoperative, in violation of international humanitarian law.

We hope to strengthen the international consensus on conditions for ending the crisis in Syria. That is why President Macron and President Putin agreed on the establishment of a bilateral coordination mechanism to reconcile views expressed by the “small group” and the Astana Process. Our goal is “to work together to create convergences that will facilitate a political solution to the Syria crisis.” We are continuing to hold consultations on this subject with Russia and all international actors that share this goal.