Overview

• Ahmad al-Chareh, Syria's interim leader post-Assad, made his first European visit to Paris, hosted by Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.
• Macron emphasized the need for immediate protection of all Syrian civilians, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, and demanded accountability for recent sectarian massacres.
• France conditioned its support for Syria's transition on the formation of an inclusive government and tangible security guarantees, reiterating these demands during the visit.
• Macron pledged to advocate for phased EU sanctions relief starting in June, contingent on Syria's verifiable commitments to stabilization and justice.
• The visit faced criticism due to al-Chareh's Islamist background and the coalition's struggle to control extremist factions, with protests in Paris highlighting concerns over minority safety.