Syrian president Ahmed al-Charaa received Wednesday by Emmanuel Macron in Paris for his first visit to Europe

The French head of state wishes to provide “France’s support for the construction of a new Syria, stable, sovereign and respectful of all the components of the Syrian society”, explains the Elysée.

Syria continues its diplomatic efforts. Syrian President Ahmed Al-Charaa, in power since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December, will be received Wednesday in Paris by Emmanuel Macron for his very first visit to Europe, the Elysée was announced on Tuesday May 6. The French President “will say the support of France to the construction of a new Syria, a free, stable, sovereign Syria, respectful of all the components of the Syrian society”communicates the presidency.

“This meeting is a continuation of France’s historical commitment to the Syrians who aspire to peace and democracy”continued the French presidency. The Elysée assures that Emmanuel Macron recallsRA “its requirements vis-à-vis the Syrian government, at the forefront of which the stabilization of the region and in particular Lebanon, as well as the fight against terrorism”.

The French head of state had invited the Syrian transition leader in France in early February to go to France. He then had conditioned at the end of March this invitation to the formation of a Syrian government inclusive of “All the components of civil society” and guarantees on the security of the country, while judging “Completely positive” His first discussions in this sense.

Since she took power in December, the Islamist coalition that governs Syria, led by Ahmad al-Chareh, has been trying to present a reassuring face, especially with regard to the international community which urges her to respect freedoms and protect minorities. At stake, the lifting of the sanctions imposed in power of Bashar al-Assad. But massacres that left 1,700 dead, mostly alawite, in the west of the country in March, recent battles with druze, and abuses documented by NGOs, raise doubts about the ability of new authorities to control certain extremist fighters which are affiliated to them.

At the same time, Israel recently intensified its strikes in Syria, one of which targeted a sector close to the presidential palace in Damascus on Friday. Israel spoke of a “Clear message sent to the Syrian diet” After the attacks against the Druze minority for which Israeli leaders took the cause. But the Syrian presidency, which is committed to protecting all communities, denounced a “Dangerous climbing”.