Assad to remain in power

“On December 9, Iraqi Prime Minister (Haider al-) Abadi announced the end of the war and the victory over Daesh, and I think that by mid- to late February we will have won the war in Syria,” Macron said, reported Reuters.

Contrary to the country's privious stance toward Syrian legal president Bashar al-Assad, he said France would now push for peace talks involving all parties in the six-year-old Syrian conflict, including President Bashar al-Assad, promising “initiatives” early next year.

He did not say how any French proposals would relate to existing negotiations being brokered by the United Nations.

Despite being a leading backer of the Syrian opposition, France has sought a more pragmatic approach to the Syrian conflict since the arrival of President Emmanuel Macron, saying that the departure of al-Assad was not a pre-condition for talks.

Assad’s government has been backed by Russia and Iran. President Vladimir Putin last week announced a significant scaling back of Russian forces in Syria, saying their mission was largely complete due to defeat of ISIL.