Jordan renews its refusal to allow Syria refugees in

Jordan today reiterated its rejection of UN demands to open its border with Syria to refugees fleeing the unrest.

Government spokeswoman, Jumana Ghneimat, said in an exclusive statement to the Anadolu Agency: “Jordan has taken the decision to close the border to protect its security and to avoid any risks that may threaten its security and which do not achieve its interests.”

“Opening the border at the request of the United Nations to provide shelter to displaced people go against these interests.”

“The international community and the United Nations are called upon to play their part in helping the refugees and press for a political solution to end the crisis in the south of Syria and not to abandon their fundamental and important role: ending violence and killing,” Ghneimat said.

The solution is not to open the border but to reach a political solution that ends the root of the problem.

“Jordan continues its humanitarian duty to deliver relief to the displaced Syrians inside Syria,” Ghneimat added.

According to the UN, at least 270,000 people have fled Syria’s south following the launching of a government offensive to rid the area of opposition groups two weeks ago. The region is strategically sensitive, due to its proximity to Israel and Jordan.

Read: Jordan refuses refugees but allows aid in to Syria as negotiations continue