French President Macron ready to receive President Al-Sharaa of Syrian Transitional Government, but set conditions

PARIS/BEIRUT/DARAMSUQ — As part of European countries’ efforts to establish cooperation with the Syrian Transitional Government (STG), French President Emmanuel Macron stated during a joint press conference with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, a Syriac Maronite, that he is ready to meet Al-Sharaa, provided that certain conditions are met. Macron outlined 3 essential demands: (1) inclusive governance: the transitional government must represent all groups of Syrian civil society; (2) counterterrorism commitment: a clear and firm stance against terrorism must be demonstrated (3) safe return for refugees: guarantees must be in place for the secure and voluntary return of Syrian refugees. 

Macron expressed openness to continued dialogue and even a potential meeting with Al-Sharaa, depending on progress in the coming weeks. He described recent negotiations as “positive” thus far, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP).   

During a video conference with Al-Sharaa, as well as the leaders of Cyprus and Greece, Macron and Aoun discussed the Syrian refugee crisis. Macron stressed the importance of this issue for Lebanon and the broader region, insisting that any refugee returns must be preceded by political representation that includes all ethnic components of Syrian society. Macron called for ensuring the safety of all Syrians in their homeland and urged the international community to mobilize efforts toward a sustainable framework for refugee returns, one that addresses both economic and social dimensions.