PARIS (AP) – Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa is visiting Paris on Wednesday for discussions with President Emmanuel Macron. This marks al-Sharaa's first trip to Europe since assuming office in January, potentially signaling an opportunity for improved relations with Western nations.
Al-Sharaa came to power following a significant offensive led by his Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which resulted in the ousting of former President Bashar Assad in December. Assad, who belonged to Syria’s Alawite minority, had been in power for over two decades before his removal.
The Elysee Palace has announced that Macron will reaffirm France's support for "a free, stable, sovereign Syria that respects all components of its society." He is expected to emphasize the need for regional stability, particularly in Lebanon, and the global fight against terrorism.
This official visit comes at a time of escalating sectarian violence in Syria. Just a week prior, clashes between forces loyal to al-Sharaa and fighters from the Druze sect resulted in nearly 100 fatalities. Earlier violence in the coastal region also saw conflicts between Sunni gunmen and Alawite members, leading to over 1,000 deaths, predominantly among Alawite civilians due to revenge attacks.
Religious minorities in Syria, such as Alawites, Christians, and Druze, are apprehensive about facing persecution under a government predominantly led by Sunni Muslims. Al-Sharaa has reiterated his commitment to ensuring equal treatment for all Syrians, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds.
The lengthy conflict in Syria, spanning 14 years, has led to the deaths of nearly half a million people and displaced millions. The country's infrastructure is severely damaged, and international sanctions remain a significant obstacle to the nation's rebuilding efforts.
Al-Sharaa's visit to Paris is being closely scrutinized as it may reflect Europe's readiness to engage with the new leadership in Syria. While the Trump administration has not formally recognized the al-Sharaa regime, HTS is still designated as a terrorist organization by the United States. Sanctions that were imposed on Damascus during Assad's rule remain effective. However, in a notable shift, Washington eased certain restrictions in January, permitting specific transactions with the Syrian government, including some energy sales and incidental transfers.
In parallel, the European Union has begun to relax its sanctions, suspending measures that target Syria’s oil, gas, and electricity sectors, as well as transportation, including aviation and banking restrictions. Additionally, in late April, the British government announced the lifting of sanctions on a dozen Syrian entities, including various government departments and state-run media outlets.
