Macron tells Sharaa to protect rights of 'all Syrians'

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 aiming to calm tensions.

Alarm over clashes that have left hundreds dead among among minority communities have overshadowed the first months of the government that overthrew longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December.

Macron has been criticised for hosting a figure seen by some as a jihadist-turned-politician on his first official visit to a European country.

But the French president insisted engagement was essential and offered hope of a gradual easing of the Assad-era sanctions against Damascus.

Macron said he had told Sharaa in talks that he "must do everything to assure the protection of all Syrians without exception" after "unacceptable" killings that affected the Alawite and Druze minorities in recent months.

He said that the "crimes had profoundly shocked the friends of Syria"

The French president said Sharaa must ensure that the perpetrators of the violence are "prosecuted and tried".

Sectarian clashes in March, in which more than 1,700 people were killed, mostly among Assad's Alawite minority, sparked international condemnation and doubts over Syria's new path.

More recent clashes involving Druze fighters and NGO reports of abuses have also raised doubts about the interim government's ability to control extremists.

- 'Gradual lifting of sanctions' -

In response, Sharaa told the press conference that Syria "is committed to holding whoever who kills a civilian … accountable and punishing them according to the law, whoever they are."

"The state bears its responsibility for everything that happens in Syria, but after the appropriate investigations," he said.

Adding to the pressure, Israel has launched hundreds of strikes on the country since Assad's overthrow, including one near the presidential palace in Damascus on Friday.

Macron said the strikes were not in Israel's interests. "I think it's bad practice. You don't ensure your country's security by violating the territorial integrity of your neighbours."

Sharaa said Syria was holding "indirect talks through mediators" with Israel to "try to contain the situation so it does not reach the point where it escapes the control of both sides." He did not give details however.

Macron meanwhile called for a continuation of "the gradual lifting of European economic sanctions" if the new Islamist authorities stabilise the country.

He added Washington should follow suit and also hold off for "as long as possible" from withdrawing American troops from Syria.

Sharaa said there was no justification for maintaining European sanctions imposed against the Assad government.

Ahead of the talks, Sharaa met a whistleblower who helped document horrific torture under Assad, Farid al-Madhan, known as "Caesar".

Madhan revealed his identity in February during an interview with broadcaster Al Jazeera. He fled Syria in 2013 with some 55,000 graphic images including photographs showing emaciated bodies and people with their eyes gouged out.

- 'Ready to make commitments' -

Sharaa headed the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) which spearheaded Assad's downfall after 14 years of civil war but previously had links to Al-Qaeda.

He is still subject to a UN travel ban and France most likely had to request an exemption from the United Nations, as was the case for his recent trips to Turkey and Saudi Arabia, according to a source familiar with the matter.

France, a former colonial-era ruler of Syria, is eyeing an opportunity to increase its influence in the country after years of Russian presence, with French companies also seeking contracts.

Macron made clear France would be closely watching Sharaa's progress. "Mr President, I count on you," he said.

The invitation to Sharaa caused controversy in France, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen accusing Macron of hosting talks with "a jihadist" in a "provocative and irresponsible" meeting.

The head of the mainstream right-wing Republicans in parliament, Laurent Wauquiez, denounced the meeting as "a serious error".

"We don't welcome leaders who are former terrorists and members of organisations that want to attack France," he said.

Macron strongly defended the invitation.

"He has put an end to a regime that we condemned and fought against and he is ready to make commitments. The first actions have led to results," Macron said.