in-cyprus 13 December 2024
The European Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, called Thursday for facilitating voluntary repatriation of Syrians while stating that forced deportations are not “feasible” at this stage following Bashar al-Assad’s fall from power.
Several EU countries announced Monday they were temporarily suspending the processing of Syrian asylum applications after the Syrian president’s overthrow.
Austria went further, announcing plans for a “deportation programme”, citing “fundamental changes” in the country’s political situation.
Speaking after the Council of Interior Ministers, Commissioner Brunner – Austria’s former Finance Minister (2021-2024) – advocated encouraging “voluntary returns” of Syrians through financial incentives.
He referenced celebrations among the Syrian diaspora in Europe following Assad’s overthrow, whom Western countries and opponents had labelled a dictator.
However, Brunner opposed deportations at this stage, stating: “For now, I would say forced returns are not feasible,” while emphasising Syria’s volatile situation.
Assad was ousted Sunday by an Islamist rebel alliance led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), al-Qaeda’s former Syrian affiliate. The appointed interim Prime Minister, Mohammad al-Bashir, has promised to restore the “rule of law” in the country.
(information from amna.gr)
