Syrian transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa concluded his discussions with French president Emmanuel Macron, and during a press conference at the Élysée today, Wednesday, May 7, they emphasized the need to lift sanctions and stabilize Syria.
Macron affirmed his support for a peaceful political transition that guarantees the stability and sovereignty of Syria, considering it crucial for the security of the region and Europe.
Addressing al-Sharaa, Macron said, “I count on you,” adding, “We will meet him (al-Sharaa) halfway if he continues on his path,” according to his expression.
He mentioned that Syria faces significant difficulties, calling on the international community to cooperate with and support it in overcoming these challenges.
Regarding sanctions, he stated that France will work to gradually lift European sanctions on Syria.
He added, “We remain engaged with the United States and our partners regarding the lifting of sanctions on Syria.”
Macron pointed to what is known as the “coastal events,” saying, “We cannot ignore the new wave of sectarian violence in Syria,” adding that he reminded al-Sharaa of the necessity to protect all Syrians and pursue those responsible for acts of violence.
Macron addressed the agreement between al-Sharaa and the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signed on March 10, expressing his admiration for it and hoping for its implementation between the two sides.
He also praised what he described as the Syrian government’s efforts in combating Captagon, noting that its production has decreased significantly after the fall of the regime.
Regarding the delineation of the Syrian-Lebanese borders, Macron stated that they are ready to initiate negotiations between the two countries, saying that “the situation at the border is improving,” calling for cooperation between Damascus and Beirut.
He considered that combating Iran and its arms in the region, referring to the Lebanese Hezbollah and militias linked to Tehran, contributes to the stability of both Syria and Lebanon.
Joint relations
For his part, Syrian president al-Sharaa stated that he discussed with Macron ways to advance joint relations and issues of reconstruction, security, justice, and equality.
Concerning the coastal events, al-Sharaa mentioned that he has taken action in response to sectarian attacks and opened the doors for the international investigative committee into the attacks.
Al-Sharaa pointed to the steps taken by the government after the coastal events and the establishment of two committees, one for investigating the events and the other for civil peace.
He also discussed with French president Macron France’s contribution to reconstruction efforts in Syria.
Al-Sharaa considered that overcoming the challenges facing Syria is hindered by sanctions, stating that there is no justification for their continuation, while also referring to “good omens for the Syrian people after this meeting” without elaborating.
Negotiations with Israel
Al-Sharaa mentioned that he discussed with his French counterpart the security of the Syrian borders and what he described as the “ongoing Israeli attacks.”
In response to a journalist’s question, al-Sharaa referred to indirect negotiations through mediators to reduce tensions between Syria and Israel, without naming the mediator.
Reuters reported today on an Emirati mediation for indirect talks between Syria and Israel amid the latter’s escalation and ongoing bombardments following the regime’s fall.
For his part, Macron stated that “Israel’s practices in Syria are bad and cannot ensure its security by undermining another state’s sovereignty.”
At Macron’s invitation
Syrian president al-Sharaa traveled today to France for his first European visit, to meet his French counterpart Macron, at the latter’s invitation.
A source in the Ministry of Information told the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) earlier today that al-Sharaa will hold discussions with Macron covering several bilateral and regional issues.
The source added that the issue of reconstruction and prospects for economic cooperation and development in Syria, particularly in the fields of energy and aviation, are among the main issues that will focus on the discussions.
The discussions will also include important files, most notably the security challenges facing the new Syrian government, repeated Israeli aggressions against Syrian sovereignty, and relations with neighboring countries, especially Lebanon, according to SANA.
“No blank check”
For his part, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that his country will not provide a “blank check” to Syria and will judge Syria based on its actions.
This came during an interview with the French channel “TF1” today, coinciding with the visit, where he noted that Paris wishes to ensure Syria focuses on combating impunity, reducing sectarian violence, and confronting the Islamic State group.
Barrot added that France requested al-Sharaa to come to France after the Syrian president committed to moving forward in combating impunity.
France had welcomed the fall of Bashar al-Assad and has increasingly strengthened its relations with the transitional Syrian authorities, as Macron recently held a tripartite video meeting with al-Sharaa and Lebanese president Joseph Aoun as part of efforts to ease tensions at the border.
In April, France appointed a chargé d’affaires in Damascus with a small team of diplomats as a step towards fully reopening its embassy.
Over the past months, France has played a mediating role between al-Sharaa and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), while the United States began to reduce its presence in Syria.
Macron calls for support for Syria to overcome challenges… Al-Sharaa optimistic Enab Baladi.
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