French president sets conditions for receiving the Syrian transitional president

French President Emmanuel Macron set a set of conditions for accepting the transitional Syrian president, Ahmad al Sharaa.

At a joint press video conference with his Lebanese counterpart, Joseph Aoun, in Paris on Friday, March 28, Macron expressed his willingness to support al Sharaa, provided that the Syrian government opens up to all segments of civil society and guarantees the safe return of refugees.

Macron indicated that the future evaluation of the transitional phase depends on the extent of the commitment to seriously combating terrorism, respecting the rights of Syrian civil society components, and ensuring the return of refugees.

He stressed that dialogue between France and Syria will continue if these criteria are met, considering the coming weeks to be crucial for determining the path of transition.

Macron had a phone call with the Syrian president on February 5, during which he invited the Syrian president to visit France.

Macron and the Lebanese president also held a video meeting with the Syrian president, during which they discussed the issue of Syrian refugees, which Macron considered a fundamental issue for Lebanon and the region.

In a related development, the Lebanese presidency announced via X that the Lebanese president stressed during the call the need for coordination between the two countries to address outstanding issues, including the demarcation of the common border.

He also stressed the need to expedite solutions for the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia hosted a meeting between Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Menassa, with the participation of their Saudi counterpart, Khalid bin Salman.

The meeting discussed ways to enhance security and stability between Syria and Lebanon.

The two sides signed an agreement on border demarcation and enhancing cooperation in security and military fields, with plans to hold a follow-up meeting in Saudi Arabia soon.