{"id":1932660,"date":"2026-05-13T06:43:38","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T03:43:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1932660"},"modified":"2026-05-13T06:43:38","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T03:43:38","slug":"forcing-returns-will-lead-to-chaos-in-syria-foreign-minister-tells-euronews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1932660","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Forcing returns will lead to chaos in Syria,&#8217; foreign minister tells Euronews"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/60\/89\/1200x675_cmsv2_eb5f0bcb-222b-575d-811e-0f700c85ac47-9756089.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2891982-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2891982\" data-cid=\"9750315\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891982-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/03\/15\/189x106_cmsv2_60d3fc10-73c8-5f9e-ad2d-44cdd610e953-9750315.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The number of prisoners in the EU increased by 2% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the latest figures from Eurostat.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe in Motion<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Wholly unsuitable conditions&#8217;: How full are Europe&#8217;s prisons?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893337-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2893337\" data-cid=\"9756573\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893337-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/65\/73\/189x106_cmsv2_fad13b19-40b3-50f9-94a0-abb97bc51848-9756573.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Sam Altman, center, and OpenAI president Greg Brockman, right, arrive at the U.S. District Court in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, April 30, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What did Sam Altman say at the Elon Musk OpenAI trial\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893341-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2893341\" data-cid=\"9756577\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893341-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/65\/77\/189x106_cmsv2_d1ffd117-d519-5ee7-9b3b-43aca88e7e38-9756577.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FC Barcelona player Lamine Yamal holds a Palestinian flag as he celebrates with his team atop a bus after winning the Spanish La Liga title in Barcelona,\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Barcelona star Lamine Yamal waves Palestinian flag during La Liga celebrations\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893192-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2893192\" data-cid=\"9756250\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893192-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/62\/50\/189x106_cmsv2_073b4b41-3938-550c-80a5-c6389c38e37c-9756250.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Real Madrid president Florentino P\u00e9rez gives a press conference in Madrid, 12 May, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Real Madrid&#8217;s president slams &#8216;organised campaign&#8217; to unseat him\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891982-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2891982\" data-cid=\"9750315\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891982-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/03\/15\/189x106_cmsv2_60d3fc10-73c8-5f9e-ad2d-44cdd610e953-9750315.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The number of prisoners in the EU increased by 2% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the latest figures from Eurostat.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe in Motion<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Wholly unsuitable conditions&#8217;: How full are Europe&#8217;s prisons?\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893337-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2893337\" data-cid=\"9756573\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893337-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/65\/73\/189x106_cmsv2_fad13b19-40b3-50f9-94a0-abb97bc51848-9756573.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Sam Altman, center, and OpenAI president Greg Brockman, right, arrive at the U.S. District Court in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, April 30, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Tech News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What did Sam Altman say at the Elon Musk OpenAI trial\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893341-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2893341\" data-cid=\"9756577\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893341-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/65\/77\/189x106_cmsv2_d1ffd117-d519-5ee7-9b3b-43aca88e7e38-9756577.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FC Barcelona player Lamine Yamal holds a Palestinian flag as he celebrates with his team atop a bus after winning the Spanish La Liga title in Barcelona,\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Barcelona star Lamine Yamal waves Palestinian flag during La Liga celebrations\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893192-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2893192\" data-cid=\"9756250\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893192-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/62\/50\/189x106_cmsv2_073b4b41-3938-550c-80a5-c6389c38e37c-9756250.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Real Madrid president Florentino P\u00e9rez gives a press conference in Madrid, 12 May, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Real Madrid&#8217;s president slams &#8216;organised campaign&#8217; to unseat him\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe Today<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            &#8216;Forcing returns will lead to chaos in Syria,&#8217; foreign minister tells Euronews<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative u-max-width-1280 u-margin-x-auto\" data-video=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;xa9kwpy&quot;,&quot;articleId&quot;:2893205,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;'Forcing returns will lead to chaos in Syria,' foreign minister tells Euronews&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/43\/89\/68\/01\/SHD_PYR_4389681_20260513083517.mp4&quot;,&quot;programId&quot;:&quot;europe-today&quot;,&quot;player&quot;:&quot;dailymotion&quot;,&quot;geoBlock&quot;:[&quot;&quot;],&quot;sources&quot;:[],&quot;description&quot;:&quot;Al-Shaibani held political discussion with the EU's top diplomat as the country looks for assistance to rebuild its economy. Kallas says Brussels can &quot;accompany&quot; transition but warns minorities must be protected.&quot;,&quot;isLive&quot;:false,&quot;articleUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/video\/2026\/05\/13\/forcing-returns-will-lead-to-chaos-in-syria-foreign-minister-tells-euronews&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:258520}\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/60\/89\/1536x864_cmsv2_eb5f0bcb-222b-575d-811e-0f700c85ac47-9756089.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Asaad al-Shaibani, Syrian Foreign Affairs Minister &amp; Maria Tadeo, Euronews\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Asaad al-Shaibani, Syrian Foreign Affairs Minister &amp; Maria Tadeo, Euronews<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Euronews<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Euronews\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspMaria Tadeo\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1778654618\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-05-13 08:43:38 +02:00\">13\/05\/2026 &#8211; 8:43 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-partage-commentaire-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"partage-commentaire-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" 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loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__embed_container u-display-none\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__embed__tooltip\"><br \/>\n                            Copy\/paste the article video embed link below:<br \/>\n                        <\/span><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__embed u-display-flex\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-copy-to-clipboard.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Copy to clipboard\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-partage-commentaire-copy\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__embed--success-copied u-display-none js-c-article-partage-commentaire-video-embed-success-link-copied\"><br \/>\n                                Copied<br \/>\n                            <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Al-Shaibani held political discussion with the EU&#8217;s top diplomat as the country looks for assistance to rebuild its economy. Kallas says Brussels can &#8220;accompany&#8221; transition but warns minorities must be protected.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>Forcing the return of hundreds of thousands of Syrians living in Europe without financial support would lead to \u201cchaos\u201d in the country, Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani told Euronews in an exclusive interview in Brussels following talks with EU counterparts.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Al-Shaibani met EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas this week as the EU looks to support Syria\u2019s fragile political transition following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in 2024, after a brutal civil war that displaced millions and devastated the country\u2019s economy. <\/p>\n<p>European governments led by Germany have also called on Syrian authorities to facilitate the return of Syrian nationals living in Europe. Earlier this year, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested 80% of the close to one million Syrians who fled the country coinciding with the outbreak of the war should return to Syria by 2030. <\/p>\n<p>His proposal sparked controversy, with human rights groups and opposition parties warning that forced returns could put thousands of lives at risk. <\/p>\n<p>The German Economic Institute also suggested that the number of Syrians working and paying social contributions in Germany is higher than the Chancellor indicated. <\/p>\n<p>Al-Shaibani defended his government\u2019s record, saying there are \u201cno majorities or minorities, just Syrians\u201d, but warned that a rushed return process would lead to chaos and insisted that returns on such a scale must be accompanied by financial support.<\/p>\n<p>Echoing remarks by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, he said Damascus had neither committed to a specific target for returnees nor agreed to a timetable.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We have warned that forcing the involuntary and undignified return of Syrians will lead to chaos,&#8221; he told Euronews. &#8220;The situation in Syria requires creating a suitable environment. This needs the involvement of the international community, especially the European Union, to support the Syrian government&#8221; in the reconstruction process.<\/p>\n<p>Al-Shaibani also told Euronews that there is no formal agreement on returns or \u201con the number\u201d of Syrians expected to return. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are not encouraging the return of Syrians in a hasty, unorganised manner,\u201d he said, adding that rebuilding the economy and creating are prerequisites for large-scale returns.<\/p>\n<h2>Syrian reconstruction &#8211; with strings attached<\/h2>\n<p>As Europe\u2019s political landscape shifts towards tougher migration and asylum policies, the EU sees stabilising Syria as key to accelerating returns. Brussels also views Damascus as a potential partner in the Middle East, provided it can be drawn away from what the bloc describes as \u201cmalign actors\u201d operating in the region, including Russia.<\/p>\n<p>The EU has also said that financial assistance will be conditional on the Syrian authorities ensuring the protection of ethnic and religious minorities in the country.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For us, it is important that all the minorities are taken into account by the government, there needs to be inclusivity,&#8221; Kallas told reporters ahead of the meeting. &#8220;This is why we are offering our help in drafting the constitution so they can actually have elections.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>A European diplomat involved in the discussions told Euronews that the EU takes concerns over inclusivity seriously and sees it as a condition to build a deeper relationship. <\/p>\n<p>Still, this week the European Council announced it would reinstate the full implementation of the EU-Syria cooperation agreement allowing for more bilateral trade. The agreement was first suspended in 2021. Its reinstatement follows a string of EU measures easing restrictions on the country after the fall of the Assad regime.<\/p>\n<p>Last year, the Council also lifted economic sanctions on Syria.<\/p>\n<p>Al-Shaibani brushed off concerns in comments to Euronews, arguing that, &#8220;since &#8220;European countries are no longer accepting asylum applications from those leaving Syrians, it shows that they perceive the situation is safe and stable&#8221;. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Ukraine and Syria to cooperate on security in unexpected military alliance <\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Germany and Syria &#8216;working jointly&#8217; on refugee returns, Chancellor Friedrich Merz says<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  &#8216;Nothing to worry&#8217; about on hantavirus &#8216;as long as we contain it&#8217;, says expert<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Kaja Kallas<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Syria<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  European Union<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2893321-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893321\" data-cid=\"9756482\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893321-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/64\/82\/320x180_cmsv2_e60e34d0-400e-52d4-b36f-fd10fe82a1ed-9756482.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US President Donald Trump waves from the stairs of Air Force One as he boards at Joint Base Andrews, 12 May, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump vows to push Xi to &#8216;open up&#8217; 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China at superpower summit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893322-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893322\" data-cid=\"9756507\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893322-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/65\/07\/320x180_cmsv2_99da770a-7188-5f57-a430-cff067d2941d-9756507.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews for a trip to China, Maryland, 12 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Musk and Cook join Trump on China visit to talk trade and AI<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893332-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893332\" data-cid=\"9756556\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2893332-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/65\/56\/320x180_cmsv2_1ea76158-7815-5f60-ac3d-ee94ab095962-9756556.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Passengers are disembarked from the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius at the port of Granadilla in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, Sunday, May 10, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Are hantavirus cases spreading? 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Here&#8217;s what could happen<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2893026-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2893026\" data-cid=\"9755043\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Hantavirus outbreak latest: Spain confirms one new case<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892753-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892753\" data-cid=\"9753856\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Small Portuguese liqueur brand wins legal fight against Louis Vuitton<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892550-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892550\" data-cid=\"9753045\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iraqi shepherd uncovers secret Israeli military base in desert<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Forcing the return of hundreds of thousands of Syrians living in Europe without financial support would lead to \u201cchaos\u201d in the country, Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani told Euronews in an exclusive interview in Brussels following talks with EU counterparts.Al-Shaibani met EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas this week as the EU looks to support Syria\u2019s fragile political transition following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in 2024, after a brutal civil war that displaced millions and devastated the country\u2019s economy.European governments led by Germany have also called on Syrian authorities to facilitate the return of Syrian nationals living in Europe. Earlier this year, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested 80% of the close to one million Syrians who fled the country coinciding with the outbreak of the war should return to Syria by 2030.His proposal sparked controversy, with human rights groups and opposition parties warning that forced returns could put thousands of lives at risk.The German Economic Institute also suggested that the number of Syrians working and paying social contributions in Germany is higher than the Chancellor indicated.Al-Shaibani defended his government\u2019s record, saying there are \u201cno majorities or minorities, just Syrians\u201d, but warned that a rushed return process would lead to chaos and insisted that returns on such a scale must be accompanied by financial support.Echoing remarks by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, he said Damascus had neither committed to a specific target for returnees nor agreed to a timetable.&#8221;We have warned that forcing the involuntary and undignified return of Syrians will lead to chaos,&#8221; he told Euronews. &#8220;The situation in Syria requires creating a suitable environment. This needs the involvement of the international community, especially the European Union, to support the Syrian government&#8221; in the reconstruction process.Al-Shaibani also told Euronews that there is no formal agreement on returns or \u201con the number\u201d of Syrians expected to return.\u201cWe are not encouraging the return of Syrians in a hasty, unorganised manner,\u201d he said, adding that rebuilding the economy and creating are prerequisites for large-scale returns.Syrian reconstruction &#8211; with strings attachedAs Europe\u2019s political landscape shifts towards tougher migration and asylum policies, the EU sees stabilising Syria as key to accelerating returns. Brussels also views Damascus as a potential partner in the Middle East, provided it can be drawn away from what the bloc describes as \u201cmalign actors\u201d operating in the region, including Russia.The EU has also said that financial assistance will be conditional on the Syrian authorities ensuring the protection of ethnic and religious minorities in the country.&#8221;For us, it is important that all the minorities are taken into account by the government, there needs to be inclusivity,&#8221; Kallas told reporters ahead of the meeting. &#8220;This is why we are offering our help in drafting the constitution so they can actually have elections.&#8221;A European diplomat involved in the discussions told Euronews that the EU takes concerns over inclusivity seriously and sees it as a condition to build a deeper relationship.Still, this week the European Council announced it would reinstate the full implementation of the EU-Syria cooperation agreement allowing for more bilateral trade. The agreement was first suspended in 2021. Its reinstatement follows a string of EU measures easing restrictions on the country after the fall of the Assad regime.Last year, the Council also lifted economic sanctions on Syria.Al-Shaibani brushed off concerns in comments to Euronews, arguing that, &#8220;since &#8220;European countries are no longer accepting asylum applications from those leaving Syrians, it shows that they perceive the situation is safe and stable&#8221;.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/05\/13\/forcing-returns-will-lead-to-chaos-in-syria-foreign-minister-tells-euronews&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/60\/89\/1200x675_cmsv2_eb5f0bcb-222b-575d-811e-0f700c85ac47-9756089.jpg&#8221;] Europe in Motion &#8216;Wholly unsuitable conditions&#8217;: How full are Europe&#8217;s prisons? 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