RIHA - Preparations have been completed for the safe and gradual return of Efrîn (Afrin) citizens under the agreement between the Autonomous Administration and Damascus. It is planned that 400 families will be sent in the first stage.

 

The Efrîn Community Association and the Efrîn People's Council held a meeting in Qamishlo in front of the Efrîn and Şehba (Shehba) Refugee Council building for the return of those displaced from Efrîn to their lands. Speaking at the announcement, Ibrahim Heftaro, a member of the Efrîn Community Association, stated that they had been closely monitoring the situation of the displaced people since the attacks on Efrîn began and emphasised that they were continuing their efforts for a safe and dignified return.

 

Heftaro pointed to the agreement signed on 29 January between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian Transitional Government, stating that they had begun preparations in line with the return clause in the agreement. Heftaro announced that they would begin the return process for displaced Efrîn  citizens as of today. 

 

MEETINGS WITH THE UN AND DAMASCUS

 

Heftaro stated that prior to the return process, the Efrîn and Şehba Refugee Council held talks with United Nations representatives and the Syrian Interim Government, noting that the process would be carried out in stages. Heftaro said, "We want to send thousands of our people back to Efrîn. However, due to weather conditions and to prevent our citizens from suffering, we will carry out the returns in stages." 

 

400 TO 500 FAMILIES

 

Heftaro said that the aim was to ensure safe returns through joint coordination between the Damascus government and the United Nations. He said that approximately 400 to 500 families were planned to be sent to Efrîn  in the first stage, adding that the exact date had not yet been finalised but that the process would begin shortly.

 

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the European Civil Society Representation, Hêmen Qirdaxî noted that preparations had begun two weeks ago and provided the following information: "150 families will return to the Cindirês region, 150 families to the Mabata region, and 100 families to the Şiyê region."