Macron Calls on Syria to Join the International Coalition Against “ISIS”
French President Emmanuel Macron called on Syrian Transitional government President Ahmad al-Shar’a to join the international coalition to combat the “ISIS” organization, affirming that the move represents the beginning of a new phase of cooperation between Paris and Damascus in the war on terrorism.
Macron’s remarks came during a press conference held in the Brazilian city of Belém, on the sidelines of the Climate Conference, following his meeting with Syrian Transitional President gov Minister Ahmad al-Shar’a, where he said:
“Syria is invited to be a full and active partner in our war against terrorist groups in the region,” adding that “security cooperation between Paris and Damascus is essential to protect the French people.”
The French president pointed out that the terrorist attacks that struck Paris in November 2015 “were planned in Syria,” stressing that “the matter is directly linked to France’s security.”
Macron’s statements came after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution to remove the names of Syrian Transitional government president Ahmad al-Shar’a and his Interior Minister Anas Khattab from the UN sanctions lists. The resolution was supported by 14 members, with China abstaining from the vote and no use of the veto.
Macron described the decision as “a highly significant step carrying special symbolism” ahead of al-Shar’a’s expected visit to the White House next Monday, affirming that the move “reflects the soundness of the strategy France has pursued since the beginning of the transitional phase in Syria.”
Macron also stressed that France was among the first countries to decide to cooperate with the Syrian transitional leadership with the aim of restoring Syria’s territorial unity, combating drug production and terrorist groups, and creating conditions for the return of refugees.
