France accepts 24,000 refugees, prepares for airstrikes over Syria

France accepts 24,000 refugees, prepares for airstrikes over Syria
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French President Francois Hollande said France would take 24,000 people looking for refugee protection in Europe. Speaking at his bi-annual news

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French President Francois Hollande said France would take 24,000 people looking for refugee protection in Europe.

Speaking at his bi-annual news conference in Paris, Hollande said Europe’s migrant crisis can and will be brought under control.

“France is ready to assume it’s share. The European Commission proposes or is going to propose sharing 120,000 refugees [among EU Countries] over the next two years. That means 24,000 for France. We will do it.”

Air reconnaissance over Syria from Tuesday

The president announced surveillance flights over ISIL positions in Syria would begin on Tuesday (September 8). He ruled out sending ground troops.

“I’ve asked the defense minister that, from tomorrow, we can launch air reconnaissance over Syria. That will allow strikes on ISIL preserving our autonomy of decision and action.”

He said it is essential that France “works to find political solutions” which sidelined Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

He said nothing must be done that can consolidate or maintain Assad.

France to take 24,000 migrants under EU refugee plan – Hollande: http://t.co/5pb1W25nKqpic.twitter.com/nTYxhG9wgy

— Independent.ie (@Independent_ie) September 7, 2015

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