France ready to act against Islamic State group

NEWPORT, Wales — French President Francois Hollande says his country is ready to join a coalition to take action against the Islamic State group if Iraqi authorities request it and the United Nations approves.

The French leader spoke to reporters Friday at the end of a two-day NATO summit in Wales. He said France was discussing with allies what action might be taken — but refused to provide details.

Hollande said: "France is ready to act, but once the political accord is there and in respect to international law."

He noted that France has already provided weapons to Kurdish authorities and humanitarian aid to Iraq, following the go-ahead from Baghdad. He did not specify whether military action was contemplated, but that any action would aim to stop Islamic State from doing harm.