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Thursday May 23

Russia holds a press conference discussing repatriation of Syrian Circassians

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Press TV - March 26

As the crisis continues in Syria, the senator for the North Caucasus republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, Albert Kazharov, has proposed changes to Russian immigration laws to help expedite and facilitate the return of the member of Circassian community from Syria.

Large numbers of Circassians are seeking to return to their homeland in Russia’s North Caucasus. However, the Russian authorities have not yet approved the proposal.

During a three days visit Russian representatives met the ambassador of Russia in Syria and the heads of Russian Diasporas. The results of this meeting were discussed at press conference in Moscow.

Albert Kazharov, who was part of a Russian delegation that went to Syria for a fact-finding mission, said Russia, Iran and China have already provided humanitarian aid in the flashpoint city of Homs.

The safety of North Caucasian Diaspora, living in Syria, and the problems related to their possible departure from the country were also discussed at the conference. The crisis in Syria has made it difficult to get the necessary documents and to apply for passports and visas. Another problem is caused by the expenses related to their paper works. But how many Circassians in Syria are really seeking a return to their homeland?

Kazharov said Syrians have expressed unity against any foreign intervention and stressed that they will stand against any foreign plot aiming to violate Syria’s sovereignty and security.

Meanwhile, the UN and Arab League envoy to Syria, Kofi Annan, is seeking an end to the Syrian crisis and met with the Russian president Dmitry Medvedev. Annan’s mission includes putting an end to the conflict and allowing humanitarian aid to reach those who need it.

Kofi Annan is set to discuss Syria with officials in Beijing. Both Russia and China have opposed Western pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and have called for a negotiated settlement to the unrest in Syria.

Source & Conference Video: http://www.presstv.ir/detail/233314.html