Syria’s Al Shara to Meet Macron in France: A First Step Towards Western Engagement
Ahmad Al Shara, the Syrian leader, will meet Emmanuel Macron in Paris, marking his first trip to a Western country amid sectarian violence in Syria. France has shown support for a multi-ethnic Syria while discussing stabilization and reconstruction efforts. Al Shara’s government faces significant challenges, including recent escalating violence and sanctions affecting economic recovery.
Syria’s Ahmad Al Shara is set to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Wednesday, marking his first visit to a western nation. This meeting comes amidst ongoing sectarian strife within Syria, where Al Shara struggles to maintain order in light of international pressure for a more inclusive governance. An advisor to Macron said, “The fact that we are the first western country to receive Ahmad Al Shara shows the President’s continued support to the Syrian people,” highlighting France’s pivotal role in this diplomatic endeavor.
Al Shara, who rose to prominence as a rebel leader during the Syrian civil war, is currently under United Nations sanctions. Therefore, France had to request an exemption for his visit. “He can go to Paris under the temporary exemption that was requested,” a source from Macron’s office stated. France aims to affirm its commitment to help build a stable and sovereign Syria that respects all its citizens, as detailed by Macron’s administration.
The meeting is intended to reaffirm France’s historical support for the Syrian population’s aspirations for peace and democracy. Macron plans to express his expectations of the Syrian government, focusing primarily on the stabilization of the region and the fight against terrorism. The two leaders will hold a joint press conference after their discussions, scheduled for Tuesday evening.
In February, Al Shara received an invitation from Macron to visit, with subsequent discussions occurring in March, wherein Macron insisted on the need for an inclusive Syrian government. The new leadership in Syria, which Al Shara leads, has pledged to pursue a multi-confessional and multi-ethnic society.
Notably, France was quick to engage the Syrian government, being one of the first European countries to send its Foreign Minister to Damascus following the removal of Bashar Al Assad last December. Paris is also in the process of reopening its embassy, shuttered in 2012 when many western nations severed ties due to the humanitarian crisis under Al Assad’s regime. Reports indicate France is ready to announce Jean-Baptiste Faivre as its new charge d’affaires, following his tenure as ambassador to Qatar.
Meanwhile, in a significant development, Syria recently entered a 30-year partnership with the French shipping firm CMA CGM, aimed at modernizing Latakia port, injecting around €230 million into the local economy. This is just part of a broader financial strategy as Syria faces an estimated $250 billion reconstruction bill from 14 years of civil war, and sanctions continue to hinder its economic recovery.
Sectarian violence has intensified in recent weeks, with over 1,700 fatalities reported, raising alarms about the government’s control over extremist factions. Al Shara’s commitment to a peaceful and multi-religious government is being tested as the situation remains volatile. Additionally, Israel has ramped up military strikes within Syria as tensions escalate, particularly around the Druze community, further complicating Al Shara’s governance.
This Paris meeting is a strategic attempt by Al Shara’s government to reconnect with the global community, seeking investments and assistance to rejuvenate the war-torn economy. In related diplomatic maneuvers, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani recently met with U.S. State Department officials, representing the first of such discussions on U.S. soil. Reports also state that Saudi Arabia and Qatar are moving forward to help alleviate Syria’s World Bank debts, while Britain has recently lifted some sanctions on the nation as well.
Ahmad Al Shara’s upcoming meeting with President Macron in Paris is a pivotal moment for Syria, signaling France’s commitment to support the Syrian people amid ongoing internal strife. The discussions will touch on stabilizing the region and addressing the challenges posed by ongoing sectarian violence and sanctions. As Al Shara’s government seeks to establish a multi-ethnic society, this engagement with France—alongside other diplomatic interactions—could be crucial in Syria’s path towards reconstruction and international reintegration.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
