On November 11, the International Conference on the Return of Syrian Refugees kicked off at the Umayyad Palace for Conferences in Damascus.It was hosted by the Syrian government.
The two-day Conference discussed ways of putting an end to the suffering of the refugees and to facilitating their return home.
27 states including Russia, Iran, Lebanon, Oman, Belorussia, Pakistan, India, Kazakhstan and others with 12 international NOGs and agencies including International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) participated in the Conference.
Assistant Minister of Foreign Affair and Expatriates Dr. Ayman Sousan said that Syria has invited all countries to the conference except Turkey because the Erdogan’s regime is the main supporter of terrorist organizations in Syria.
“The United Nations is participating in the Conference but the Europeans and Americans boycotted the Conference because it comes against their plots and policies in Syria,” Dr. Sousan said to Syria Times on the sideline of the Conference.
“The American and European unfair unilateral sanctions on Syria hinder the return of Syrian refugees. A Syrian refugee who wants to return to his home and to find a job will be hindered by these sanctions . Russia is a key ally to Syria in the war against terrorism and in the rebuilding process and in achiving stability and security in Syria, Dr. Sousan added.
Dr. Sousan welcomed Iran’s Senior Assistant to the Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Asghar Khaji’s call to establish a fund to sponsor the rebuilding process in Syria.
“The Iranian idea is a very good one. The international community and the states which participate in demolishing Syria through supporting the terrorist groups in Syria should participate in rebuilding what they destroyed,” Dr. Sousan said.
A Member of the Russian State Duma Demetri Sableen said that the Russian participation in the Conference is the largest participation in any international conference out of Russia.
“This Conference is very important for Syria. The end of war in Syria is not only a ceasefire but it needs the return of Syria's economic life and refugees,” Demetri Sableen said to Syria Times.
“I expected good results from this Conference especially in boosting the Syrian -Russian relations,” Sableen added.