France Urges Inclusive Government, Anti-Terror Commitments from Syria

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (Abu Mohammad al-Julani), in power since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December, will be received in Paris by French leader Emmanuel Macron for his first visit to Europe.

This was announced by the Élysée Palace, CE Report quotes ANSA.

The President of France "will reaffirm" Paris' support "for the construction of a new Syria: free, stable, and sovereign, which respects all components of society," said the same source.

"This meeting is part of France's historic commitment to Syrians aspiring to peace and democracy," added the French presidency, assuring that Macron will reiterate "his demands to the Syrian government: first and foremost the stabilization of the region, particularly Lebanon, and the fight against terrorism."

The French head of state had invited the transitional Syrian leader to visit France at the beginning of February. At the end of March, he made the invitation conditional on the formation of a Syrian government that included "all components of civil society" and on guarantees about the country's security, judging his initial talks on the matter as "entirely positive."

Since taking power in December, the Islamist coalition governing Syria, led by Julani, has tried to present a reassuring image, especially to the international community, which is urging it to respect freedoms and protect minorities.

At stake is the lifting of sanctions imposed on Assad's regime. However, massacres that killed 1,700 people—mostly Alawites—in western Syria in March, recent clashes with the Druze community, and abuses documented by NGOs raise doubts about the new authorities’ ability to control some of the extremist fighters affiliated with them.

Meanwhile, Israel has recently intensified its attacks in neighboring Syria, including one on Friday targeting an area near the presidential palace in Damascus. The Jewish state described it as "a clear message sent to the Syrian regime" after attacks on the Druze minority, which were condemned by Israeli leaders.

The Syrian presidency, which has committed to protecting all communities, has denounced a "dangerous escalation," while on Saturday the UN called on Israel to "immediately" cease its attacks in Syria.