PARIS: In an attempt to garner international backing for his endeavours to restore peace to his war-torn nation, Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa landed in Paris on Wednesday, marking his first visit to Europe since Bashar Assad was overthrown in December.
The UN permitted Sharaa to visit Paris, where he will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, even though he is still on a list of those subject to terrorist sanctions because of his past leadership of the Islamist armed organisation Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), a former Al-Qaeda offshoot.
According to French officials, the two leaders will talk about counterterrorism efforts against Daesh militants, how to protect Syria’s sovereignty and security, how to handle minorities following recent attacks against Alawites and Druze, and how to coordinate aid and economic support, including a lifting of sanctions.
At a time when the United States is maintaining sanctions and refusing to acknowledge any entity as the government of Syria, the visit represents a diplomatic boost for Sharaa from a Western power. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told TF1 TV channel on Wednesday, “We are not writing a blank cheque and we will judge (him) on actions.
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