Full details of the meeting between the Syrian president and Macron: A new step towards reform.

During an official visit by the Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shar'a to France, the Elysée Palace in Paris witnessed a joint press conference with the French President Emmanuel Macron, where both sides exchanged important statements revealing clear shifts in positions regarding many sensitive issues in Syria and the region. President Macron expressed France's commitment to the aspirations of the Syrian people, affirming that his country supports a peaceful transition that ensures the unity, stability, and sovereignty of Syria, emphasizing that Syria's stability is not only important for Syrians but is also a necessity for the security of Europe and the region as a whole. He announced his country's readiness to meet the Syrian leadership halfway if they continue on the path of reform and openness. In a notable statement, Macron mentioned that Syria needs a long time to recover, stating that there is a new leader in Damascus who has put an end to the previous regime that France condemned, referring to President Al-Shar'a. He called for immediate steps to address the new wave of sectarian violence, emphasizing the need to protect all Syrians, including Alawites, and hold all those involved in crimes accountable through clear sanctions. Macron stressed that France does not seek to dictate its positions on Syria but rather shares the legitimate aspirations of the Syrians towards a secure and just future. He also mentioned that Paris is ready to work with the United States and international partners to explore ways to lift sanctions imposed on Syria, provided there is real political progress. Macron considered the agreement between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces an important step towards enhancing stability, urging its full implementation, and praised a significant decrease in methamphetamine production inside Syria, thanks to the efforts of the Syrian government. He also addressed regional developments, pointing out the improvement in the situation on the Syrian-Lebanese border, confirming his country's readiness to support negotiations between Beirut and Damascus to demarcate the borders. Macron strongly rejected Israel's practices inside Syrian territories, considering them not conducive to achieving security but rather violations of sovereignty. In the same context, he emphasized that countering Iranian influence and its proxies in Syria and Lebanon is a pillar of regional stability, affirming that France's support for Syria benefits everyone. President Al-Shar'a, on his part, emphasized that Syria has entered a new phase requiring a long time to recover, stating that the state has provided assurances to all countries regarding the commitment of foreign fighters to Syrian law and not threatening the security of their original countries, clarifying that they came individually to support the Syrian people at the beginning of the revolution and not as part of armed groups. He confirmed that the new constitution will determine the conditions for granting citizenship to these fighters and their families, according to strict legal criteria. Al-Shar'a stressed that Syria has no connection to any criminal acts that occurred outside its borders, and the state will hold accountable anyone who caused bloodshed after investigations are completed, confirming that relevant authorities swiftly moved to contain sectarian attacks and opened the door to an international investigation committee. He rejected what he described as media exaggeration of the events in the coastal areas, pointing out that the government took immediate steps to address the situation, emphasizing that there is no place for sectarian strife in Syria's future. President Al-Shar'a also announced that there are indirect negotiations ongoing with Israel through intermediaries, with the aim of calming the situation and stopping violations, explaining that Damascus is engaging with all countries with relations with Israel to pressure for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Syrian territories. He also stated that the sanctions imposed on the previous regime should be lifted with its fall, considering that the country has entered a new political phase. At the end of the visit, President Al-Shar'a and his accompanying delegation met with members of the Syrian community in France, reaffirming the state's commitment to protecting its citizens inside and outside the country and working towards building a new Syria based on law, pluralism, and justice, far from extremism and division, through international partnerships aiming to achieve lasting peace and stability.