Macron tells visiting Sharaa to protect the rights of 'all Syrians'

Sharaa must also ensure perpetrators of recent violence be prosecuted and tried

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French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday told visiting Syrian leader Ahmed Al Sharaa to protect all people in the multi-confessional country as the former rebel Islamist chief confirmed indirect talks with Israel to calm tensions.

Alarm over clashes that have claimed victims among minority communities have overshadowed the first months of the new government since it overthrew longtime ruler Bashar Al Assad in December.