France condemns the intensive bombing carried out in recent days against the civilian populations by the regime's air force in northern Syria, especially in Aleppo. These barrel bomb raids have killed scores of civilians, including children.

While Daesh is continuing to advance east of Aleppo, this brutal bombing campaign targeted against densely populated areas held by the opposition comes in addition to the countless violations of international humanitarian law committed by Bashar al-Assad.

France reaffirms the urgent need to implement a political transition, within the framework laid down by the Geneva Communiqué.

Iraq - Daesh - Coalition against Daesh ministerial panel (Paris, June 2, 2015)

What are France's expectations with respect to the international meeting of the coalition against Daesh? Is it likely to propose more effective ways to prevent Daesh's advance in Syria? Can we expect new measures to prevent the destruction of humanitarian heritage in Syria during this meeting?

Please refer to the statement in which we outlined our objectives for this meeting on May 29.

The issue of protecting cultural heritage at risk will be included in the discussions in which Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO, will participate.