US EditionGermany's Merz to raise migrant returns in talks with Syrian leader
The visit aims to address refugee repatriation, political transition, and minority protection as Germany hosts over 700,000 Syrians, with repatriation a priority for Merz's government.
- On Jan 16, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will raise Syria's political transition and migrant returns with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Berlin next Tuesday during al-Sharaa's two-day visit.
- Domestic political pressure from the far-right AfD and coalition debates over border security have pushed Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government to pursue a stricter migration stance than Angela Merkel's.
- Several NGOs and Syrian community groups in Germany have urged Berlin to cancel al-Sharaa's visit and filed complaints accusing him of war crimes, while rights groups warn ongoing violence undermines safe returns.
- Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syrian President, will meet Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German President, while Johann Wadephul, German Foreign Minister, holds talks on economic recovery and reconstruction next week.
- Germany hosts approximately one million Syrians, and the visit reflects a recalibration of Germany's Syria policy blending political transition with migration and reconstruction talks.
53 Articles
53 Articles
The Syrian interim president al-Sharaa wanted to come to Berlin for two days. Now the date has been cancelled. The reason is the domestic political situation in the country. There had already been criticism of the visit in advance.
The reason for the rejection is obviously the fierce struggles in Syria.
The planned reception for the Syrian interim president al-Sharaa in Berlin is controversial. German politicians denounce the ongoing violence against minorities in Syria and warn against unconditionally courting the former Islamist fighter.
kreiszeitung.de
A controversial visit to Berlin. Merz receives Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Berlin. While the Greens are calling for a signal from the Chancellor, the Left is openly criticizing.
There is distrust against Syrian transitional President Al-Sharaa. Demonstrations against him are therefore justified, but it is nevertheless right to receive him in Berlin.
The fact that the Syrian transition president is now coming to Berlin is moved by the large Syrian exile community. To date, only a few Syrians from Germany have decided to return to the old homeland.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
