French diplomats, who arrived in Damascus on Tuesday after a 12-year halt in diplomatic relations, held talks with the new authorities in Syria, the French Foreign Ministry said.
"The team spoke with a representative appointed by the transition authorities. They noted that in keeping with the ideals of the 2011 revolution, which it supported, France hoped for a peaceful political transition that would represent all components of Syrian society and respect the rights of all Syrians, including women; that it would guarantee the protection of civilians, particularly ethnic and religious minorities; and that it would preserve state institutions and guarantee Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
The ministry noted that France will be attentive to ensuring the interests of collective security, including continuing the fight against the Daesh* and other terrorist groups, and will "determine its commitments in Syria based on these criteria."
The diplomats also met with representatives of the United Nations, the European Union and civil society, the statement added.
*Daesh (also known as ISIS/ISIL/IS) is a terrorist organization outlawed in Russia and many other states