Petra Steger, MEP for the Freedom Party of Austria (FPO), has made urgent demands in response to the suspension of EU sanctions against Syria.

Lifting EU sanctions on Syria would only be the right move if it is accompanied by measures ensuring the immediate return of Syrian asylum seekers to their home country, emphasized Petra Steger, MEP for the Freedom Party of Austria (FPO). It is unacceptable to economically relieve Syria on a massive scale while one million Syrians remain in Europe, including several hundred thousand in Austria, who are urgently needed to help rebuild their homeland, she said.

The return of Syrian refugees would not only contribute to Syria’s development but also reduce security risks for host countries, Petra Steger stressed.

FPO’s MEP went on to point out:

„While the EU is taking a major economic step toward Syria without implementing the necessary accompanying measures, Austria continues to be a gathering place for illegal migrants, many of whom pose a threat to the security of Austrian citizens. The barbaric terrorist attack in Villach recently committed by a Syrian has shown us once again the dangers of unchecked mass migration. For this reason, Europe, and especially Austria, must put the controlled deportation of Syrians on the agenda.”

As is known, about two and a half months after the change of power in Syria, the EU suspended a series of sanctions against Syria. The areas concerned include energy supply and transport. Additionally, Brussels unfroze assets of several banks, eased restrictions on the Syrian central bank, and indefinitely extended an exemption to facilitate delivery of humanitarian aid.