Discussion in Paris: Macron advocates for shielding minority communities in Syria by al-Shaair - Gathering in Paris: Macron exhorts al-Sharara to safeguard Syria's minority groups
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Emmanuel Macron, the French President, expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing issues with religious minorities in Syria during a meeting with Syrian leader, Bashar al-Shaara in Paris. Macron's remarks were in response to the "shocking" incidents against religious minorities that has raised concerns among Syria's international allies.
Al-Shaara, who's government prioritizes the protection of all Syrians, defended his country's stance against continued sanctions. He argued that sanctions are now directed against the Syrian people instead of the former leader, Bashar al-Assad.
This visit marked al-Shaara's first European trip since ascending to his current position.
In light of potential sanctions relief, Macron linked the lifting of EU sanctions to the political stabilization of Syria. He suggested a "step-by-step" reduction in EU sanctions if the political situation improves. Furthermore, Macron proposed conditional sanctions relief from the USA. He also emphasized the importance of the U.S. continuing its fight against the IS jihadist militia in Syria.
Amid concerns about the safety of minority populations in Syria, there have been incidents of violence towards religious minorities like the Alawites and the Druze. In March and more recently in clashes between government forces and the Druze community, many innocent lives were lost.
Politicians from the conservative Republicans and far-right RN criticized Macron's decision to meet with al-Shaara, citing concerns regarding the former jihadist leader's past associations.
Meanwhile, Syrian minority representatives publicly protested al-Shaara's visit in Paris, calling him out as the leader who once led the radical HTS militia under the alias Abu Mohammed al-Joulani.
In a prelude to the meeting, al-Shaara and his foreign minister met with Caesar, a former Syrian insider who had fled the country in 2013 with photos documenting over 53,000 victims of torture. These images have served as crucial evidence in trials for murder and torture by the Syrian state in Germany, the Netherlands, and France.
Caesar, whose real name is Farid al-Madhan, testedified before the US Congress, resulting in the enactment of the Caesar Act in 2020. This act imposed sanctions on Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and his associates. Al-Madhan had lived under an assumed name before revealing his true identity in a February interview with Al-Jazeera.
Keep in mind:
- While the EU and several Western actors have suspended certain sanctions against Syria to support its transition and recovery, many restrictions remain.
- The EU and its partners continue to focus on protecting minorities and combating terrorism in Syria.
- Conditions for lifting or modifying sanctions comprehensively include political transition, respect for human rights, accountability, and effective counter-terrorism measures.
- Emmanuel Macron, the French President, voiced his worries about the treatment of religious minorities in Syria during a meeting with Bashar al-Shaara, the Syrian leader, in Paris.
- Al-Shaara defended his country's stance against continued sanctions, arguing that they are affecting the Syrian people, not just the former leader, Bashar al-Assad.
- Macron linked the potential lifting of EU sanctions to the political stabilization of Syria, suggesting a step-by-step reduction if the political situation improves.
- Minorities like the Alawites and Druze have faced violence in Syria, with many innocent lives lost in recent clashes.
- Al-Shaara met with Caesar, a former Syrian insider who provided evidence of over 53,000 victims of torture, before the meeting with Macron.
- The Caesar Act, enacted in 2020, imposed sanctions on Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and his associates, in part due to Caesar's testimony before the US Congress.
