France’s Defense Minister to Give Priority to Diplomacy in Syria

France will give priority to diplomatic methods in Syria and would only consider sending troops as part of a political transition once President Bashar al-Assad leaves, Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told Le Parisien.

France won’t participate in an international peacekeeping mission without a vote by the United Nations Security Council, Le Drian told the French daily. He said there are no operations currently being considered.