Syria’s interim PM calls for refugee return amid financial struggles

Syria’s interim Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir has announced plans to bring millions of Syrian refugees back to their homeland and ensure the safety of its citizens.

"Syria is now a free country that has regained its pride and self-respect. Come back," al-Bashir called out to all Syrians living abroad, Caliber.Az reports, citing Middle Eastern media sources.

He promised that the government would guarantee the protection of the rights of all people and groups. However, Bashir also warned that due to the dire financial situation in Syria, providing essential services to citizens would not be easy.

"Our treasury only has Syrian currency, which is virtually worthless. One US dollar is equivalent to 35,000 Syrian pounds," he added.

On December 8, the armed opposition in Syria announced that it had captured Damascus and begun forming transitional governing bodies. 

On December 10, the interim government was tasked with being formed by Mohammed al-Bashir, who previously led the so-called Syrian National Salvation Government. Bashir is an engineer by training and also has theological education. According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 5 million people fled Syria in 2023.

By Naila Huseynova