PARIS, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday hailed liberation of the Syrian city of Raqqa from the Islamic State (IS), but warned that the war against the terror cell was not over.
In a statement released by his office, Macron welcomed "the victory of the Syrian Democratic Forces backed by the International Coalition" which he described as a "major milestone" in the fight against terrorism, and preparation for political transition in Syria.
"The battle against Islamic State did not end with the fall of Raqqa, and France will maintain its military effort as long as necessary," he said
"The challenges of stabilization and reconstruction will not be less than those of the military campaign," he added.
Macron also stressed that "Syria must finally find a way out of the civil war, which has fueled terrorism since the suppression of the democratic movement," noting that "a negotiated political transition is more necessary than ever."
Early this week, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced the liberation of the Syrian northern city of Raqqa, after fully defeating the Islamic State group.
The (SDF) announced Raqqa would be part of a decentralized federal Syria.
The French president said "an inclusive governance" respected by all communities in Raqqa was necessary. He also said it was necessary that this governance took place "under conditions that will enable the restoration of normal living conditions, the return of the displaced and refugee populations, and the sustainable return of peace and stability."
