France, May 8 -- French President Emmanuel Macron 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 ...