This Article is From Aug 13, 2014

France to Deliver Arms to Kurds in Iraq: Francois Hollande

France to Deliver Arms to Kurds in Iraq: Francois Hollande

File photo of French President Francois Hollande.

Paris: France will deliver weapons to Kurdish forces fighting Islamic extremists in Iraq, President Francois Hollande announced on Wednesday.

"In order to respond to the urgent need expressed by the Kurdistan regional authorities, the president has decided, in agreement with Baghdad, to deliver arms in the coming hours," Mr Hollande's office said in a statement.

"France intends to play an active role by providing, along with its partners and in liaison with the new Iraqi authorities, all the assistance required," the statement added.

Over the weekend, Paris already provided 18 tonnes of humanitarian aid and a new shipment of 20 tonnes of aid was due to arrive in northern Iraq later on Wednesday.

Mr Hollande reiterated France's support for Iraq's premier designate Haidar al-Abadi and urged a "unity government, representing all Iraqis to fight effectively against Islamic State."
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