Brussels, SANA-Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, has called on the international community to extend a helping hand to Syria during the transitional phase following the fall of the deposed regime.
She emphasized that the West cannot discuss the issue of displaced Syrians in isolation from the political and economic context.
“What we’re encouraging states to do is to really invest in this peacebuilding process, invest in the revitalization of Syria, invest in humanitarian assistance,” Pope told Euronews on Monday.
She highlighted the need for discussions among nations regarding the return of displaced Syrians to their homeland to be an integral part of the political and economic pathways, as well as the process of rebuilding Syria in the upcoming phase.
Referring to moves by several European Union countries to grant displaced Syrians special temporary permits allowing them to visit their regions in Syria and return to Europe if they wish, Pope remarked: “This is a useful step, enabling returnees to familiarize themselves with the challenges they might face on the ground.”
She affirmed that the IOM, under the umbrella of the United Nations, supports Syrians wishing to take such steps, while also stressing the necessity for international efforts to assist in this domain. This would involve creating a safe environment for returnees by investing in the reconstruction of destroyed areas in Syria.
Latifa Moammar/Ruaa al-Jazaeri
