Macron calls on Syria's interim president to protect all citizens "without exception."

ParisThe President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, became this Wednesday the first European leader to receive Syrian interim president Ahmed al Sharaa, a controversial figure because he led one of the branches of the terrorist organization Al Qaeda. With the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in DecemberThe new interim president has traded his jihadist attire for a dress and tie. Al Sharaa greeted Macron with a handshake—cordial but less effusive than usual for the Élysée Palace tenant—and answered all the questions posed by journalists.

The meeting between the two leaders focused on the political stabilization and reconstruction of Syria. In light of the recent outbreak of violence in the country, with clashes between the Syrian security forces of the transitional government and militias loyal to former President Bashar al-Assad that have left hundreds dead, Macron called on the interim president to protect all citizens, regardless of their religion.

"He must do everything possible to ensure the protection of all Syrians without exception, regardless of their origins, religion, faith, or opinions," the French president warned. Most of the civilians killed in the outbreaks of violence were from the country's Alawite religious minority, to which Bashar al-Assad's family belongs. Macron has also called for the perpetrators of the "massacres" to be arrested and brought to justice.

Security Challenges

Al Sharaa, who traveled to France seeking international support and lobbying for the lifting of the sanctions that the West imposed on the ousted Assad regime, acknowledged that his interim government faces "significant security challenges" but stressed that his "priority is the security of its citizens." He also sought to reassure countries that view his jihadist past with suspicion by assuring them that he will fight to end terrorism. However, he denied the responsibility of the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda in terrorist attacks in Western countries. "We have nothing to do with terrorist acts abroad," he asserted.

Speaking to Al Sharaa, the French President expressed his support for a "progressive" lifting of sanctions if the interim government manages to stabilize the country. "Syria will not be able to achieve stability without economic recovery and the rehabilitation of infrastructure," Macron emphasized. "I think it's in everyone's interest, including the Americans', to have the sanctions lifted against the Syrian people," he insisted. For the country's interim president, the sanctions "are an obstacle" and "nothing justifies their continued existence."

Controversial visit

Al Sharaa's visit to Paris has sparked controversy in France due to the interim president's jihadist past. The far and right criticized Macron for receiving her at the Élysée Palace, but the French president justified his decision by asserting that Syria's security is important to Europe. "I believe France's role is to defend our interests, and in Syria, we have interests related to our security. Dialogue [with the interim government] is useful and important," the French president asserted. He also appealed for "loyalty to the Syrian people and their aspirations, expressed since 2011, aspirations for a free and united Syria."