French intelligence chief silent on repatriating nationals detained in Syria for terrorism
A man walks down the stairs at the headquarters of the General Directorate for External Security (DGSE), France's external intelligence agency, in Paris on June 4, 2015. (AFP Photo)
France’s top foreign intelligence official, Nicolas Lerner, declined to confirm whether Paris would repatriate its nationals detained in Syria for alleged links to the terrorist group Daesh.
Lerner, who heads the General Directorate of External Security (DGSE), told Le Monde that France remains committed to targeting Daesh operatives as part of the international coalition’s efforts.
“The fall of the al-Assad regime raises three sets of questions in terms of terrorism,” Lerner said.
He identified three primary concerns. First, the presence of over 100 French nationals currently at large in northwest Syria, many of whom are subjects of ongoing judicial cases.
Second, the status of French adults and minors detained by “Kurdish forces” (PKK/YPG) in northeastern Syria and lastly, he raised concerns about the approach of Syria’s new authorities toward terrorist groups, particularly Daesh.
“The new regime has taken rather encouraging stances on this issue,” Lerner said, emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant and holding the Syrian government accountable.
Lerner offered no details regarding the potential repatriation of French nationals, despite mounting pressure to address their legal status.
He did, however, note a general decline in the capabilities of groups such as Daesh and al-Qaida, which he described as “less powerful, less organized, and less able to project threats.”
France’s policy on the matter has drawn international criticism.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently accused Paris of avoiding its responsibility to repatriate detained nationals, urging France to prosecute them domestically to address security concerns.
France has yet to respond to these comments or clarify its stance on repatriation.
