Al Assad in power a ‘grotesque error’

French President Emmanuel Macron said yesterday that a “return to normal” in Syria that left its leader Bashar Al Assad in power would be a “grotesque error”, in comments seemingly directed at his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

“We can see those who would like to return to normal as soon as the war against Daesh is finished: Bashar Al Assad would stay in power, the refugees... will return and Europe and few others would help with reconstruction,” Macron said.

But “such a scenario would be a grotesque error”, he added. After coming to power in May last year, Macron shifted French policy towards prioritising the destruction of Daesh rather than ousting Al Assad, warning of a “failed state” if the leader were forcibly removed. But he has previously called the Syrian leader an “enemy of the Syrian people” who should ultimately face a war crimes court.

Macron’s latest comments during a major foreign policy address to French ambassadors appeared to be a rebuke to Putin, who is Al Assad’s biggest backer.

On August 18, Putin called on Europe to financially contribute to the reconstruction of Syria to allow millions of refugees to return home. After more than seven years of brutal war, Macron warned in yesterday’s speech that Al Assad was on the verge of creating a fresh humanitarian crisis in Idlib province.

The regime says it is determined to retake the northwestern province on the Turkish border - Syria’s last major rebel stronghold amid speculation of a looming Russian-backed assault.