Syria Rejects Forced Deportation of Refugees and Affirms: Return Must Be Voluntary and Safe
April 2, 202619505 ViewsRead Time: 2 Minutes
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Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shabani confirmed his country's firm rejection of any attempts to forcibly return Syrian refugees, emphasizing that this issue must be managed according to humanitarian and national standards.
Al-Shabani explained in a statement via the "X" platform that "Syrians in exile represent strategic national assets, not a burden on the state," referring to the importance of preserving their rights and dignity.
German Chancellor's Statements on Refugee Returns Spark Widespread Controversy
These statements came after remarks made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who spoke about a goal of returning about 80% of Syrian refugees residing in Germany within three years.
This percentage sparked significant political and media controversy, especially with differing accounts regarding which party proposed this figure.
Berlin Meeting Between Syria and Germany Deepens Controversy Over Refugee Issue
The controversy escalated after a meeting between Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara and the German Chancellor in Berlin, where the issue of refugee returns was raised among the main discussion topics.
In a joint press conference, Merz mentioned the stated percentage, before later clarifying that it was brought up during the discussions and was "acknowledged" without full official endorsement.
Conflicting Statements Between Damascus and Berlin on Refugee Return Percentage
In contrast, the Syrian president denied that his country had set the 80% figure as an official target, confirming that this proposal came from the German side during the discussions.
He stressed that the return of refugees cannot be imposed but must be directly linked to creating suitable conditions within Syria, primarily reconstruction and achieving stability.
Syria Links Refugee Return to Reconstruction and Providing a Safe Environment
The Syrian government confirmed that it is working with international partners to rehabilitate infrastructure and create a safe environment that allows for the voluntary and dignified return of refugees.
Al-Shabani pointed out that any return process must be based on real guarantees that ensure refugees do not suffer again or are pushed to migrate once more.
Germany Received the Largest Number of Syrian Refugees During Years of War
Germany is the European country that has received the largest number of Syrian refugees during the war years that have lasted more than a decade, with nearly one million Syrians living there.
This reality makes the issue of their return one of the most sensitive and complex issues in the relations between the two countries, especially in light of the associated political and economic challenges.
