Nehammer Phone Call with EU Council President Costa about Syria

"Assad's fall opens a historic opportunity for a new beginning in Syria. The window for a future of Syrians in their homeland is open - Europe must seize this opportunity," said Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), according to a statement from the Chancellery.

Chancellor Nehammer: "Europe Must Promote the Return of Syrians"

"Syria needs its citizens to rebuild the country and establish a civilization. It's time to act. Europe must promote the return of Syrians to their homeland and thus support the reconstruction," Nehammer continued. The Chancellor also emphasized that Austria was the first EU country to announce it would stop ongoing asylum procedures for Syrians. Only later in the day did Germany, Italy, Finland, Belgium, and Denmark follow this example.

Among the specific measures initiated by Austria is a reassessment of the security situation in Syria with the aim of making return possibilities realistic and sustainable, the Chancellery further stated. In addition, following the stop of all open procedures of Syrian citizens, existing asylum decisions should also be reviewed. Furthermore, the Ministry of the Interior has been tasked with developing a comprehensive concept for repatriations to Syria.

(APA/red)

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