Hollande says 'no time to lose' in fighting IS

PARIS - French President Francois Hollande said Monday there was "no time to lose" in fighting jihadists in Iraq and called for a total backing for moderate rebels in Syria as he opened an international conference in Paris.

The Islamic State jihadists posed a "global threat which needs a global response," Hollande said. "There is no time to lose." "The fight of the Iraqis against terrorism is our fight as well," he said, calling for a "clear, loyal and strong" engagement in the country alongside the Iraqi government.

Hollande also called for complete support for moderate rebels in Syria fighting President Bashar al-Assad's regime, saying one should support those who "can make the necessary compromises".

"For France they are the forces of the democratic opposition... They must be backed by all means," he said.