German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock. Photo: Evening Kyiv.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock and Interior Minister Nancy Faiser have issued clear warnings to supporters of the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad who are trying to escape justice by hiding in Germany.
This is reported by the Time Ukraine Israel portal, citing information from MSN.
Burbock, a representative of the Green Party, stressed that Germany will not grant asylum to those involved in the crimes of the Syrian regime, which has committed massive human rights violations during Assad’s rule. She said in an interview with Bild am Sonntag: “We will bring to justice every single accomplice of the Assad regime. Their heinous crimes will not go unpunished. We will act strictly and according to the law.”
The German minister stressed that international law enforcement agencies and intelligence services should work closely together to combat terrorism and illegal activities associated with the Assad regime.
After the fall of the Assad regime in Syria and the president and his family’s flight to Russia, it was replaced by an alliance of rebels, including Islamist groups. During Assad’s rule, tens of thousands of people were illegally detained, tortured and killed, which led to international condemnation.
Strict border checks
Interior Minister Nancy Feyser said that Germany thoroughly checks everyone who tries to enter the country, in particular for possible links to terrorist organisations. She emphasised the need for a high level of vigilance and stated: “Germany is one of the most stringent countries in the world when it comes to prosecuting Assad’s associates. This should be a serious deterrent to those who try to avoid justice.”
Trade union position: Syrian workers in Germany
At the same time, Germany continues to debate the future of more than a million Syrian refugees who have taken refuge in the country. Frank Werneke, chairman of the Verdi trade union, has spoken out against the return of skilled Syrian workers to Syria, stressing their importance to the German economy. He said: “Syrians working in care, healthcare, postal services and many other sectors make a significant contribution to keeping the country functioning.”
The head of IG Metall’s trade union, Christiane Benner, also supported this position, noting that Germany needs skilled labour from abroad to further develop its economy.
Germany continues to take a clear position on the issue of security at its borders and demands that all those involved in the crimes of the Assad regime be brought to justice by international justice. At the same time, the country recognises the importance of Syrian refugees for its economy, particularly in sectors requiring skilled labour.
