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Conflict in Syria

Putin urges to help Syrian refugees return to their homes

BERLIN, August 18. /TASS/. In the run-up to his talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for assistance to Syrian regions, where refugees who fled to neighboring countries may soon return.

Speaking about issues up for discussion at the meeting, Putin said he and Merkel would "definitely discuss the situation in the Middle East, first of all, in the context of Syria."

"It is important to boost the humanitarian element of the Syrian settlement, first of all in the context of humanitarian aid to the people of Syria, and of assistance to regions, where refugees, who are now abroad, may soon start returning," the Russian leader said, stressing that he was speaking about refugees who had fled to bordering countries, not European states.

According to Putin, about a million of Syrian refugees have taken shelter in Jordan, another million - in Lebanon and three million - in Turkey.

The Russian president said that in order to help those people return to their homes, basic infrastructure should be rebuilt in their home regions, including water supplies, sewage systems and healthcare facilities. He said the return of refugees back to their home country would benefit everyone, including Europe.

"This [the refugee issue] has the potential of becoming a heavy burden for Europe," Putin said. "That’s why everything should be done in order to help those people return to their homes."

Merkel, in her turn, said ahead of the talks that although the hostilities in Syria have subsided, the threat of a humanitarian disaster still persists.

"First of all, we must avoid a humanitarian disaster," she said.

"At the same time, we note that the hostilities have subsided," the German chancellor went on, adding that "it is yet too early to speak about the return to peaceful life."

She stressed the need of re-launching the political process in Syria and of holding a constitutional reform and elections in the war-torn country.

"In this respect, we support the work of UN Secretary General Special Envoy on Syria [Staffan] de Mistura," she said.

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Syrian conflict

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