French Forces to Stay in Iraq Even if US Withdraws: Macron
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French President Emmanuel Macron said France would stay in Iraq as part of counterterrorism efforts, regardless of the US decision on the issue.
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Iraq's President Barham Salih and France's President Emmanuel Macron attend a news conference ahead of the Baghdad summit at the Green Zone in Baghdad, Iraq August 28, 2021 (Reuters)
President Emmanuel Macron asserted that France would stay in Iraq "as part of anti-terrorism operations" for as long as the Iraqi government needed them to stay, regardless of whether or not the United States decides to withdraw.
"Whatever the Americans decide, we will maintain our presence to fight against terrorism in Iraq," the French President said.
As France finished evacuations from Afghanistan on Tuesday, Macron asserted that France would continue helping those who require protection in Afghanistan.
During his address at the Baghdad Summit, Macron affirmed that those who are fighting terrorism in the region are France's brothers in arms "without ambiguity."
"Terrorism is still present in the Iraqi-Syrian area and we must continue to be there. But we will always do so, and this is France's line and the one I have re-stated while respecting a country's sovereignty," the president stressed.
Previously, following a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi ahead of the Baghdad Summit, Macron asserted his belief that the Baghdad Summit was a true success for Iraq.
