06 April 2013, 11:00
Over the past 11 months, 186 persons returned from Syria to Abkhazia
IN the period from May 2012 to March 2013, 186 persons came to Abkhazia from Syria for permanent residence, Vyacheslav Chirikba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia, said on April 5 at the roundtable dedicated to problems of repatriation.
According to his story, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees has offered to provide returnees from Syria with the refugee status, but they flatly refused, saying that they have come back home.
"Within two weeks, about 200 people more plan to return to Abkhazia, - said Vyacheslav Chirikba. "We have good contacts with Russian consulates in different countries; and they help to obtain transit visas. Currently, we consider a possibility to make use of a transport corridor and bring them by a charter flight. The country's leadership is ready to pay for the flight of our countrymen."
The Foreign Minister has noted that almost all the families returning from Syria are mixed Abkhazian-Adyg (Circassian) couples; and the country's authorities help everyone. Besides, according to his assertion, the activeness of the civil society makes the adaptation process of immigrants more successful.
Author: Anzhela Kuchuberia Source: CK correspondent
