France concerned over Iraqi situation after al-Qaeda offensive

France on Monday expressed concerns over the situation in Iraqi cities of Fallujah and Ramadi after a fresh wave of violent clashes overshadowed several Anbar's cities.

"France is deeply concerned by the fighting around Fallujah and Ramadi," the French foreign ministry said in a statement, adding that Paris "supports the Iraqi authorities in their fight against terrorism."

The ministry said only a political dialogue involving all components of Iraqi society will allow to find a lasting solution to the current instability.

Ealier on the day, Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, asked Fallujah's tribal leaders to drive out al-Qaeda insurgents that broke into the Anbar's city and attacked several police stations.

Tension was running high in the Sunni heartland of Anbar after the Iraqi security forces on Dec. 28 last year captured the Sunni Arab tribal leader Ahmad al-Alwani and killed his brother.