French President Emmanuel Macron told Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, he must protect all communities in the country following deadly sectarian attacks in recent months. Macron made the comments on Wednesday in Paris, during Sharaa’s first official visit to a European country since his forces overthrew longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December.
The French president said he had raised concerns over recent violence against the Druze and Alawite minorities.
“You must do everything to assure the protection of all Syrians without exception,” Macron told Sharaa, adding, “The crimes have profoundly shocked the friends of Syria.”
He also urged Sharaa to prosecute those responsible for the attacks.
More than 1,700 people were killed in March, mostly from Assad’s Alawite sect, during sectarian clashes that drew international condemnation.
Further unrest involving Druze fighters and claims of abuses by NGOs have cast doubt on the interim government’s ability to contain extremist violence.
Sharaa, a former Islamist rebel, has been criticised by some in France as a “jihadist-turned-politician”. His visit has sparked debate, but Macron defended the meeting, saying engagement was essential.
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'Gradual lifting of sanctions'
The French president said lifting sanctions on Syria could be possible if the new authorities managed to restore order.
He also said the United States should delay any plans to withdraw its troops.
Macron described Israeli airstrikes in Syria as counterproductive, including one that hit near the presidential palace in Damascus on Friday.
“As for bombings and incursions, I think it’s bad practice,” Macron said. “You don’t ensure your country’s security by violating the territorial integrity of your neighbours.”
Speaking at a joint press conference at the Elysée Palace, Sharaa confirmed that indirect talks with Israel were under way, using unnamed mediators.
He said the goal was “to try to contain the situation so it does not reach the point where it escapes the control of both sides.”
Sharaa also pushed back against European sanctions.
“There is no justification for maintaining European sanctions,” he said, arguing they were imposed on the previous regime because of its crimes.
Before the meeting with Macron, Sharaa held a private discussion with Farid al-Madhan, known as “Caesar” – a former Syrian military photographer who smuggled out tens of thousands of images showing torture and abuse under Assad.
Madhan revealed his identity in February in an interview with Al Jazeera. He fled Syria in 2013 with about 55,000 photos, including pictures of emaciated bodies and victims with their eyes gouged out.
(with newswires)
