New Syrian president meets Macron during his first European visit

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa meets French leader Emmanuel Macron on his first visit to Europe since overthrowing longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, despite alarm over deadly clashes that have overshadowed the new authorities’ first months in power.

“This meeting is part of France’s historic commitment to the Syrian people who aspire to peace and democracy,” the Elysee Palace says.

By welcoming Sharaa, Macron hopes to help the authorities on the way to “a free, stable, sovereign Syria that respects all components of Syrian society,” a French presidential official tells AFP.

The official says France is aware of “the past” of certain Syrian leaders and was demanding that there be “no complacency” with “terrorist movements” operating in Syria.

Sharaa headed the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which spearheaded Assad’s downfall after 14 years of civil war. The group formerly had links to Al-Qaeda.

He is still subject to a UN travel ban and France most likely had to request an exemption from the United Nations, as was the case for his recent trips to Turkey and Saudi Arabia, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The invitation for Sharaa has caused controversy in France, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen accusing Macron of hosting talks with “a jihadist” in a “provocative and irresponsible” meeting.