Czechia among several EU states seeking to reset relations with Syria over migrants

The Czech Republic is among several European Union countries seeking to normalise relations with Syria in order to facilitate the deportation of migrants, Czech Radio reported. They are arguing that the European strategy towards Damascus needs to be reset so as to secure cooperation and conditions for a voluntary, safe and sustainable return of Syrian refugees to their homeland. Earlier this year Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Greece, Croatia and Cyprus called on EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrel to consider such a course of action. The EU head of diplomacy indicated that such a move was unlikely in view of how the Syrian regime has been operating, with direct support from Russia and Iran. However he added that the Union was ready to explore ways to better support the Syrian people and their legitimate aspirations.