A Syrian Foreign Ministry statement read: "The ministry of foreign affairs... has returned to the French republic... the decoration of the Grand Croix of the Legion d'honneur awarded to President Assad."

"It is no honour for President Assad to wear a decoration attributed by a slave country and follower of the United States that supports terrorists," the statement added.

The medal was returned via the Romanian embassy.

Assad received the award in 2001 from French President Jacques Chirac.

France recently took part in a three-member military strike alongside the USA and the UK.

The joint front attacked Syrian chemical facilities, in response to an alleged chemical attack which took place in Syria earlier this month.

The alleged attack, which has been disowned by Syria, reportedly killed dozens.

Assad Image: Wallpaper

Macron Image: EU2017EE Estonian Presidency/Wikipedia