German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that 80% of the more than 900,000 Syrian nationals in Germany should return to their home country in the next three years.
At a press conference with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Berlin on Monday, Merz said the leaders agreed that over the "longer term of the next three years," around "80% of the Syrians currently in Germany should return to their homeland."
"That was also the wish of President Sharaa," Merz said, adding that "those Syrians who wish to remain in Germany and are well integrated will be able to stay in Germany."
Germany was one of the main destinations for Syrian refugees fleeing the devastating civil war, with around 1 million arriving in the country during dictator Bashar al-Assad's time in power.
Calls for Syrian nationals to leave Germany have risen in conservative and far-right circles following al-Assad's ousting in late 2024 by an Islamist coalition led by al-Sharaa.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
Staggering Spots to Stargaze All over the Planet - 2Misremembering might actually be a sign your memory is working optimally
- 3Change Your Physical make-up: Compelling Activities for Muscle Building
- 4I served on the expert committee that advised the government on new dietary guidelines – most of our recommendations were ignored
- 5Overhaul Your Rest: Tips for a Serene Evening
- What exactly is the Upside Down in 'Stranger Things'? The wormhole revelation, explained.
- Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS to pass closest to Earth on Friday
- What is Fusarium graminearum, the fungus a Chinese scientist pleaded guilty to smuggling into the US?
- New heart disease calculator predicts 30-year risk for young adults
- What Yogurt Types Do You Know
- Figure out how to Keep up with Your Dental Inserts for Long haul Achievement
- Is Chinese food truly flavorful?
- Poll: By a 2-to-1 margin, Americans say Trump has done more to raise prices than lower them
- Moving Pool Highlights for 2024
