German and Austrian Interior Ministers Discuss Refugee Return with Damascus

Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab met in Damascus on Sunday with German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and her Austrian counterpart Gerhard Karner to discuss the return of Syrian refugees and enhanced security cooperation.

The first visit by an Austrian minister in 15 years saw agreements on deporting criminals, combating ISIS, and supporting reconstruction, as part of efforts to stabilize Syria following the ouster of Assad regime.

Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab discussed issues of mutual interest with German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and her Austrian counterpart Gerhard Karner in Damascus on Sunday.

The two European ministers said in separate statements that the discussions included the deportation of criminals and those posing a threat to Syria as soon as possible.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior stated, “received a joint delegation representing the Republics of Germany and Austria, during which issues of common interest to the three countries and ways to enhance cooperation in the security field were discussed”.

In turn, Austrian Interior Minister Karner said that the meeting focused primarily on the security situation in Syria and the fight against terrorism, in addition to the issues of voluntary return and forced deportation to Syria of criminals and individuals who pose a threat.

“We were able to agree on concrete implementation steps related to security force training, return, and deportation,” Karner added, noting that further technical discussions will be held later.

Since the overthrow of ousted President Bashar al Assad on December 8, Germany and Austria have frozen their handling of Syrian refugee cases.

From her part, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the meeting addressed the security situation in Syria, particularly with regard to the fight against ISIS.

The Syrian minister also indicated his readiness to issue passports and documents, which Faeser considered a step forward regarding the deportation of Syrians from Germany and Austria to Syria.

Prior to her arrival in Damascus, Faeser said in a statement, “We recognize the tense security situation and the seriousness of the humanitarian situation… However, it’s now important to consult with the transitional Syrian government regarding security, stability, and the prospects for the return of refugees”.

She explained, “our top priority is to ensure the deportation of criminals and Islamists as quickly as possible,” adding, “We’ve significantly tightened our laws in this regard, and they must be implemented as soon as the situation in Syria allows”.

“We’re aware of how tense the security situation is and how fragile the humanitarian situation is,” Faeser said, adding that she nevertheless wants to talk with the Syrian government about the prospects for the return of refugees.

“Many have found work in Germany, learned German, and built new lives for themselves… They should of course be allowed to stay,” she continued, “But our top priority is to deport criminals and Islamist extremists as quickly as possible”.

While Vienna wants to repatriate a large number of Syrians, Berlin is considering retaining refugees who have successfully integrated, encouraging voluntary return for those who wish to do so, and deporting those with criminal records.

Germany, which has twice sent Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock to Damascus following the ouster of Assad, is hosting nearly one million Syrians, while the new government has pledged to launch a strict crackdown on irregular migration.

Germany was among several countries that reopened their embassies in Damascus following the ouster of Assad.

The German government is keen to support a new beginning in Syria, which, after more than 13 years of war, is dependent on foreign aid and the lifting of Western sanctions.