Der Spiegel: German Chancellor invites the Syrian transitional president to Germany to discuss the deportation of Syrian criminals
In a surprising move that sparked widespread controversy in German political circles, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that he had extended an official invitation to Syrian transitional President Ahmed al Sharaa to visit Germany in order to discuss the issue of deporting Syrian refugees convicted of crimes.
Merz said during a visit to the northern city of Husum: “The civil war in Syria is over, and there is no longer any reason to prevent the start of the return operations… We must now begin to return Syrians to their homeland, especially those who have committed legal offenses in Germany”.
The German Chancellor added that his government intends to contribute to the stability of Syria and participate in reconstruction projects, stressing that the return of Syrian refugees will be essential for the country’s recovery.
He also indicated that a large number of Syrians in Germany will return voluntarily, while those who refuse will be deported in the near future.
Merz’s remarks come as a direct response to the position of Foreign Minister Johan Wadephul, who recently visited Syria and expressed doubt about the possibility of refugees returning at the present time, noting that the widespread destruction makes it difficult for people to live there with dignity.
