Russia sets up 10 border crossings for repatriation of Syria refugees

The Russian Defence Ministry announced yesterday that ten land, sea and air crossings have been set up to “facilitate the return of Syrian refugees” to their country.

The ministry’s announcement came during a meeting between the Russian Centre for the Reception, Allocation and Accommodation of Refugees and the Joint Coordination Committee in Syria.

The ministry said in a statement that the heads of the Centre for Refugee Affairs at crossing points of Nasib, Al-Salihiya and Damascus International Airport have reported on the functionality of the crossing points during a teleconference.

“Pursuant to the Syrian Governmental Decree dated August 6 2018 No. 46, a joint coordination centre was established to organise cooperation with ministries concerned. Its objective is to create favourable conditions to facilitate repatriation, ensure decent living conditions in accordance with the capabilities of the state. The new centre is structured basing on initiatives made by the Russian side,” Chief of the Centre for the Reception, Allocation and Accommodation of Refugees, Major General Alexey Tsygankov. said.

Earlier, the Lebanese President Michel Aoun called on various countries to facilitate the safe return of Syrian refugees from Lebanon to their homeland.

Russia: Syria regime to ensure safety of returning refugees

Syrian refugees and Assad – Cartoon [Sarwar Ahmed/MiddleEastMonitor]