France, May 8 -- French President Emmanuel Macron told Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, he must protect all communities in the country following deadly sectarian attacks in recent months. Macron made the comments on Wednesday in Paris, during Sharaa's first official visit to a European country since his forces overthrew longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December.

The French president said he had raised concerns over recent violence against the Druze and Alawite minorities.

"You must do everything to assure the protection of all Syrians without exception," Macron told Sharaa, adding, "The crimes have profoundly shocked the friends of Syria."

He also urged Sharaa to prosecute those responsible for the attacks.

More than 1,700 people...