French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Friday that the liberation of Raqqa, Islamic State's de facto capital earlier this week does not signify an end to the war against the militant group, adding that the establishment of an inclusive political system in post-ISIS Syria is as important as the military operation itself. "The battle against ISIS did not end with the fall of Raqqa and France will maintain its military effort as long as necessary," Macron's office said in a statement.
France, which supplied funds and weapons to the Syrian Democratic Forces which liberated Raqqa, will allocate 15 million euros for the restoration efforts, Macron announced. However, the president warned that it is vital that governance in Raqqa respected all communities. "This principle should apply first and foremost to the city of Raqqa, 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," the statement said.
