Head of Syrian Coalition raises ire of Syrians about refugees in Turkey
DARAA, Syria (North Press) – The recent press statements of the head of the Syrian coalition, Salem al-Maslat, regarding the return of Syrian refugees in Turkey, sparked a wave of indignation among Syrian social media users.
There is no international will to reach a political solution in Syria and provide a safe environment to secure the voluntary and safe return of Syrians, , al-Maslat said in a meeting that included a number of Turkish academics and journalists in Istanbul last Thursday.
“Achieving a political transition in Syria and changing the regime to ensure the safety of all returnees, are the main obstacle to the the return of refugees,” he added.
“The opposition-held areas are not yet prepared to receive Syrian refugees, but the interim government of the Syrian opposition is seeking to ensure the safe return of refugees and ease the burdens on Turkey,” according to al-Muslat.
“To Sheikh Salem al-Maslat, may Allah prolong your life. Sheikh, your job is to deport Assad, not to return the Syrians,” Misha’al al-Adawi, a Syrian dissident, wrote on his Facebook page, in response to al-Maslat’s statements.
However, Abdulkarim al-Omar, a political activist, wrote on his page that “Al-Maslat meant the return of the Syrians after toppling al-Assad, not now.”