Macron-Putin: "Frank And Direct" Dialogue On Syria And Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin (G) and French President Emmanuel Macron (D) in Versailles, on 29 May.

The Russian president was received on 29 May in Versailles to inaugurate an exhibition on the 300 years of Franco-Russian relations. Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron met face-to-face before sharing a working lunch. At the joint press conference they gave, the French president wanted to play on two strings: dialogue and demand, as he had promised before the meeting.

A "  frank, direct  " exchange with "  many things that have been said  ", in the words of Emmanuel Macron. In diplomatic language, this means that there are different sensibilities, underlines our special envoy Anastasia Becchio.

But Vladimir Putin, like Emmanuel Macron, tried to put in the forms, claiming that they wanted to work to build joint actions. "  We looked for points of convergence on the key issues. I think we see them, "said Vladimir Putin.

In this sumptuous setting of the Palace of Versailles, which the head of the Kremlin claims to visit for the first time, the two leaders have assailed the audience with historical references. Emmanuel Macron recalled that Peter the Great was the symbol of this Russia which opened to Europe and also symbolizes the Franco-Russian friendship. A friendship undermined in recent years.

"  No essential issue can be dealt with without dialogue with Russia  " insisted the French president. The two men, therefore, spent a wide range of subjects, especially Syria and Ukraine.

Fight against terrorism

On the Syrian record, Emmanuel Macron wanted to be firm. "  I have indicated that a very clear red line exists on our side: the use of a chemical weapon by anyone,  " which will be "  the subject of reprisals and immediate response by French, "he said at the joint press conference with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

"  On Syria, I recalled what our priorities were and I believe that we can work together on this path, in any case, it is my wish, in the coming weeks," said Emmanuel Macron. "  Our top priority is the fight against terrorism and the eradication of terrorist groups and especially Daech," he added. The French head of state agreed with Vladimir Putin on the creation of a "Franco-Russian working group  " to fight terrorism.

Emmanuel Macron also called for a democratic transition in Syria, "  but preserving a Syrian state  ." He said he would "  discuss with all parties present  " in the Syrian file, "  including representatives of M. Bachar Al-Assad," noting, in response to a question, that "  so far  " The reopening of a French embassy in Damascus was "  not a priority  ".

Minsk Process and Normandy Format

The two heads of state also addressed the Ukrainian issue. They agreed on the creation of a "  Franco-Russian forum of civil societies" in order to deepen the dialogue between the two countries and "  overcome any misunderstandings.  "

"  On the situation in Ukraine, we discussed at length the various details and implementation of the so-called Minsk process. Our wish, I think I can say, under the control of President Putin, is that as soon as possible an exchange in the so-called 'Normandy' format, bringing together Russia, Ukraine, France, and Germany, declared Emmanuel Macron.

When asked about the sanctions imposed on his country in this matter, the Russian president replied: "  You asked how sanctions against Russia can help settle the crisis in eastern Ukraine? And that's the answer: no way! Fight for the removal of all restrictions in the world economy, "said Vladimir Putin.

The issue of the repression of homosexuals in Chechnya was also discussed between the two men. The French president said he would be constantly vigilant on the issue, assuring that Vladimir Putin had promised complete truth about the activities of the Chechen authorities.