Sarkozy: Work with Russia to ‘destroy’ IS

PARIS — Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy is calling for a change in France’s Syria policy and suggests working with Russia to “destroy” the Islamic State group.

Sarkozy, head of the conservatives, says “we need everyone (…) There can’t be two coalitions in Syria.” He spoke following his meeting with French President Francois Hollande.

France is part of the U.S.-led coalition that has been striking IS targets in Syria and Iraq for the past year.

Sarkozy said tight security must not only protect the upcoming U.N. climate conference in Paris but also all French people. So far 127 world leaders are expected to attend the first day of the climate conference on Nov. 30.

Hollande was meeting Sunday with opposition leaders, including popular far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen, who has used the attacks on Paris to advance an anti-immigrant agenda.