Syria/Riyadh conference

I welcome the holding of the Syrian opposition conference in Riyadh and wish this initiative, which is an important component of the process initiated in Vienna, every success.

It is crucial that the political and armed opposition, which is fending off the attacks by the regime and Daesh [so-called ISIL], unite its efforts in order to become the leading political interlocutor that Syria needs.

I would like to reiterate that France does not believe that a military solution alone is enough to resolve the Syria tragedy. Only a credible transition based on the Geneva Communiqué and the principles established in Vienna, and of which Bashar al-Assad cannot be the outcome, will make it possible to resolve the Syria crisis and defeat terrorism.

In this respect, I would like to reaffirm our commitment to the emergence of a united, free and democratic Syria that respects the rights of all citizens./.