German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and her Austrian counterpart, Gerhard Karner, had planned a significant diplomatic mission to Syria. Their goal was to discuss the voluntary return of Syrian refugees and address pressing security issues with the Syrian interim government. However, the trip was abruptly canceled due to serious security threats. Intelligence reports indicated potential terrorist threats from jihadist groups and supporters of the Assad regime, posing a danger to western delegations.
Originally, Faeser and Karner had intended to travel from Jordan to Damascus. They had already engaged in talks in Amman, focusing on refugee return strategies and security conditions. The cancellation underscores the fragile security situation in Syria, which continues to impact diplomatic efforts and refugee policies. Despite the setback, Germany remains committed to supporting Jordan in hosting Syrian refugees, while prioritizing the safety of diplomatic missions. This development highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing the Syrian conflict and the complexities involved in facilitating refugee returns amid persistent instability.
