Italy and Croatia have decided to suspend the processing of asylum applications from Syrians.
On Monday, December 9, during a meeting attended by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and other officials, the Italian government decided to suspend the processing of asylum applications from Syrian nationals.
“The government also decided to maintain diplomatic presence in Damascus and expresses deep gratitude to all members of the Italian diplomatic mission,” the statement said.
Italy also confirmed its absolute priority to protect civilian populations and the necessity of ensuring a peaceful and inclusive transition.
“Special attention was given to the safety of Italian citizens and the protection of Christians and all minorities,” the statement added.
According to Reuters, citing a statement from Croatian Interior Minister Davor Božinović, Croatia has also temporarily suspended the acceptance of asylum applications from Syrians, following the example of other European governments. He emphasized that the ministry had instructed authorities “to temporarily halt the processing of asylum applications from Syrian citizens until a decision is made at the European Union level.”
Božinović noted that Syrians fled a despotic regime that killed its own citizens.
“That regime no longer exists… and we all hope that the situation in the country will allow Syrians to return to their homeland, which is in everyone’s interest,” he added.
