France has condemned the reported execution of US journalist Steven Sotloff by radical extremists from the Islamic State, which would be the second murder of US journalists in two weeks in the area.
"The President of the Republic condemns with horror the abominable execution of the American journalist Steven Sotloff, if it is confirmed," Hollande's office said.
The Islamic State has published a gruesome video apparently showing the execution of Sotloff by beheading. Sotloff was kidnapped in Syria last year.
"This barbarous act, coming after the assassination of another journalist, James Foley, reveals the objectionable nature of this jihadist organisation which threatens freedom and knows nothing but terror," Hollande was quoted as saying by his Press Office.