Returns of refugees from Syria to their homeland follows to be voluntary and with the application of UN safety and dignity requirements, a spokesperson for the European Commission said today in response to questions related to the decisions of several EU countries to stop processing applications for protection from Syrians after the fall of Bashar Assad's regime, writes bTA.
The spokesperson explained that EU countries have the right to stop processing applications. He noted that the term for a comprehensive assessment of an application for protection is 21 months, and this allows countries to monitor the development of the situation in the countries where asylum seekers come from. The EU does not have a general list of called "safe countries" (countries whose citizens do not need protection - corr. note), explained the spokesperson. According to him, Syrians who have not yet received status in the EU may be sent back.
We call on everyone to respect the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Syria, the spokesman said. He added that Turkey is a major factor in ensuring stability in Syria and a broad-based political transition. He said Ankara's legitimate security concerns must be addressed while all Syrians, including those of Kurdish origin, are given the opportunity to participate in building the new Syrian state.