Francis Hollande

French prez Hollande shows solidarity with Iraq on Baghdad visit

Hollande has been one of the most militarily aggressive leaders in modern French history, sending troops to Mali and CAR. France was the first European government to arm Kurdish authorities against Islamic State militants.

France: President Francois Hollande dissolves govt amid feud

France has had effectively no economic growth this year and Hollande's approval ratings are in the teens.

Ukraine ends unilateral ceasefire with pro-Russian separatists

Ukraine's decision raises the prospect of renewed escalation of a conflict that has killed more than 400 people.

Ukraine prez talks to Putin, Merkel, Hollande in a bid to settle conflict

The conversation came ahead of a Monday deadline that EU leaders set for Russia and the separatists to ease the violence, warning that otherwise they were ready to impose further punitive measures.

Militant website calls for assassination of Prez, bombing of France

In addition to assisting Mali in its war against Islamists, France sent troops four months ago to the Central African Republic, where Muslim rebels seized power a year ago.