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France expresses cautious welcome to Russian army withdrawal from Syria

Xinhua, March 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

France on Tuesday said Russia's decision to start withdrawing troops from Syria could be a "positive development" to end peacefully the five-year long conflict if Moscow would deliver on its pledge, a government official said.

"We have taken note of President Putin's announcements. If those are translated into action, that would be a positive development," Romain Nadal, foreign ministry spokesperson said.

"All that contributes to the de-escalation in Syria should be encouraged," he added.

On Monday, Moscow announced that "the main part" of its forces in Syria would start to withdraw after they achieved their targets in Syria.

Since September 2015, Russia has launched its military offensive to support forces loyal to president Bashar al-Assad to restore several key areas seized by rebel groups. Enditem