The Hague - Noureddine Amrani
Talks have begun in Syria regarding Syrians who have been granted asylum and, consequently, temporary residency in the Netherlands. The current government, despite its resignation and the approaching parliamentary elections next week, October 29, is insisting on the return of Syrians who left the country during the war that devastated the country under Bashar al-Assad, who was forced to leave Syria and is leaving his post to a transitional government. The Dutch government, led by the far-right Geert Wilders, in alliance with the Liberal Party, the Social Contract Party, and the Peasant Party, aims, through intensive meetings in Syria, to conclude agreements to force Syrians to return to their country, considering Syria a safe country and, therefore, those of Syrian origin not entitled to reside in the Netherlands. The Dutch government believes that such agreements will lead to forced expulsion as a first step to getting rid of those who are prohibited from entering Dutch society and who cause instability and instability. This will be followed by other steps that respond to the demands of the right and the far-right, who are calling for the borders to be closed to refugees in the future, claiming that the Netherlands is no longer able to absorb refugees, especially since Dutch public opinion no longer accepts the presence of foreigners who do not work and receive social benefits at the expense of citizens, both men and women, in Dutch society. Protest demonstrations have spread in the four major cities (The Hague, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht). Even villages have not been spared from such demonstrations and protests." Violence was used, police cars were burned, and swastikas were raised, the symbol of the Nazis led by Adolf Hitler during World War II, which tore Europe apart, leading to the deaths of millions of citizens and the destruction of entire cities.
The outgoing Foreign Minister, De Vries, arrived for talks with her Syrian counterparts. This is the first visit by a Dutch official in 16 years.
Every Syrian refugee who volunteers to return will be eligible for five thousand euros in support and assistance.
Syria welcomes this decision to support the return of volunteers to their country, but according to an official spokesperson for the transitional government, it does not want to discuss the forced return of refugees and does not want to raise this issue on the table.