Take fight to retreating IS, says French defense chief

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian says the coalition fighting IS jihadists must increase its efforts against the group, which has suffered several setbacks in recent months.

“Daesh is retreating, it is time to increase our joint efforts by implementing a coherent military strategy,” Le Drian says after a meeting between seven defense ministers in Paris.

Le Drian also calls on Russia to stop bombing Syrian opposition fighters.

Syria peace talks are expected to begin within the next few days, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says, rejecting suggestions the negotiations might be delayed until February.

“We don’t have any thoughts on moving the start of talks to February,” Lavrov says, adding “We are sure that in the next few days, in January, these talks should begin.”

— AFP

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