"A few weeks ago, a new hope arose, the hope of a sovereign Syria, a stable Syria and a peaceful Syria ... It's a fragile hope, but it's a real hope, and that's why France will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Syrians," says French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, addressing members of the Syrian civil society in Damascus. Barrot and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock are in the Syrian capital for talks on behalf of the European Union, in the highest-level visit by major Western powers since Islamist-led forces toppled Bashar al-Assad last month. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES