Damascus authority President arrives in France

Damascus Authority President Ahmed al-Sharaa, accompanied by his Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and the head of the Damascus Authority's Emergency and Disaster Management Authority, Raed al-Saleh, arrived in France on an official visit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, according to media reports.
The first photo of him with his Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani emerged upon their arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. The Damascus Authority President was received by three people, one of whom was wearing a French military uniform.
Sharaa is scheduled to meet with Macron at 5:00 PM at the Élysée Palace, where they will discuss issues related to stability in Syria, the fight against terrorism, the protection of communities, as well as sanctions and economic aid.
This is Ahmed al-Sharaa's first visit to Europe since assuming power following the fall of the Ba'ath regime last December.
The visit comes at a time of escalating debate within the European Union about the future of the relationship with the new Syrian administration, amid French calls to condition any international support on Damascus's commitment to the principles of justice and political transition.
The visit sparked controversy within the French political arena, with some considering it provocative for a democratically elected president of a democratic country to receive a former terrorist and jihadist. Others, however, viewed it as necessary in the context of the search for political solutions and sustainable peace in Syria.
Those close to Macron emphasized that the meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss reconstruction and economic cooperation, without neglecting to emphasize the need to guarantee minority rights and their participation in governance.
This comes amid escalating tensions in Syria, most notably the coastal massacres last March, which claimed the lives of more than 1,700 Alawites, and clashes in Druze-majority areas.
T/S
ANHA