Syrians on the Turkish side of the Cilvegozu Border Gate, between Turkey and Syria, near Hatay. AP
Syrians on the Turkish side of the Cilvegozu Border Gate, between Turkey and Syria, near Hatay. AP
Syrians on the Turkish side of the Cilvegozu Border Gate, between Turkey and Syria, near Hatay. AP
Syrians on the Turkish side of the Cilvegozu Border Gate, between Turkey and Syria, near Hatay. AP

About 2.5 million in Turkey expected to return to Syria if there is peace, says MP


Lemma Shehadi
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About 2.5 million Syrians living in Turkey are expected to return to Syria if the right conditions are met, a Turkish MP has said.

Thousands of Syrian refugees in the country have already gathered on the Turkish border eager to go home, after the collapse of Bashar Al Assad’s regime days ago.

Many have been motivated to do so since the fall of Aleppo last week, where a large portion of those refugees came from.

It's probably to the best of to the benefit of everyone for these refugees to be returned in an orderly and timely manner
Dogan Demir

Kani Torun, who is deputy chairman of the Turkish government’s foreign affairs committee, said that while it was still too early to confirm the numbers, he expects the majority of the 3.5 million-plus Syrian refugees in Turkey to go back to Syria.

However, their return will depend on Syria’s transition, and Mr Torun urged the international community to support the creation of an “inclusive government” and to help finance resettlement.

“It is too early to say how many people will go back. If there is a peaceful transition many people are likely to go back,” he said.

“The international community should help set up an inclusive government. That’s the reason the international community should be involved and finance this resettlement issue,” he said.

Turkish MP Kani Torun. Photo: Ceftus
Turkish MP Kani Torun. Photo: Ceftus

Growing anti-migrant sentiment in Turkey

The UK and other European countries had stopped processing asylum applications for Syrians after the fall of the Assad regime.

British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said that the UK had “paused asylum decisions on cases from Syria while the Home Office reviews and monitors the current situation”.

This also has implications for Turkey, where the vast majority of Syrian asylum seekers are based.

In Turkey, there is growing resentment against Syrian refugees and a growth in its far-right running on anti-immigration rhetoric in recent elections.

Turkish mayors from the main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), had launched a campaign aimed at helping refugees return after the collapse of the regime, with promises to pay their transport and relocation costs.

Dogan Demir, a former member of the CHP and now a Future Party MP, called for Syrian refugees to be returned “in an orderly and timely manner”.

“What's happened to the Syrian people, what they've suffered is a tragedy,” he said on Monday.

“But ultimately the refugee influx has had numerous economic and sociological negative effects on Turkey, and it's probably to the benefit of everyone for these refugees to be returned in an orderly and timely manner,” he said.

“Within Turkey, there are a lot of eyes fixed on Syria, and the country's future revolves around the peaceful solution,” he said.

Turkish MP Dogan Demir. Photo: CEFTUS
Turkish MP Dogan Demir. Photo: CEFTUS

No partition of Syria

Although the future in Syria was uncertain, Mr Togun remained optimistic.

The conflict between the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in the north-east of the country was a point of concern.

The SNA’s goal was to “clear the west of the Euphrates river”. “There could be some Kurdish enclaves in the north-east, and in Latakia some Allawi enclaves, the resit is the new government,” he said.

Nonetheless, Hayat Tahrir Al Sham, the Islamist force that toppled the Assad regime has since taken control of Damascus, has shown “positive developments” in its formation of a new government.

Aleppo’s Bishop Hanna Jaalouf was appointed as head of the governorate, and Hayat Tahrir was now talking to the Alawis in Latakia to set up a local government.

The country should be governed by a coalition of groups, rather than Hayat Tahrir having full control, and the international community should work to ensure the country remains unified.

“The country should be governed by a coalition of forces, not just HTS. The new government should be more inclusive and, of course, democratic. Hopefully not just Turkey, also the other international forces will work in this way and, integrate the country,” he said.

The risks of partition meant the situation was “dangerous”. “Partition is not the solution in Syria,” he said.

Mr Demir also warned against partition, which would be “bad for the country and those around it.”

“I'm very worried about the future of Kurds and Alevis in the region,” he said.

The UK and western governments could play a role in diplomacy and providing humanitarian aid – but he urged them not to get involved militarily. “No military please,” he said.

“Humanitarian aid, rebuilding the country, financing, and diplomatic help,” he said.

He also called for new actors to lead a peace process, in a new grouping that would involve Turkey, Qatar and the US.

“Russia and Iran are out, and there should be new actors involved,” he told The National.

“The Arab League should be involved, and also Qatar, because they have money and is an Arab nation. Turkey because of its influence on the rebel movement, and the US of course. Hopefully, they will work together,” he said.

Russia’s involvement would be as a member of the P5, but he did not expect it to be “an obstacle for peace” in Syria, owing to its current involvement in Ukraine.

Defence review at a glance

• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”

• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems

• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.

• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%

• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade

• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels

About Karol Nawrocki

• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.

• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.

• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.

• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
AGL AWARDS

Golden Ball - best Emirati player: Khalfan Mubarak (Al Jazira)
Golden Ball - best foreign player: Igor Coronado (Sharjah)
Golden Glove - best goalkeeper: Adel Al Hosani (Sharjah)
Best Coach - the leader: Abdulaziz Al Anbari (Sharjah)
Fans' Player of the Year: Driss Fetouhi (Dibba)
Golden Boy - best young player: Ali Saleh (Al Wasl)
Best Fans of the Year: Sharjah
Goal of the Year: Michael Ortega (Baniyas)

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Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo

Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo

1/5

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Financial considerations before buying a property

Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.

“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says. 

Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.

Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier. 

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
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THE SPECS

Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine 

Power: 420kW

Torque: 780Nm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Price: From Dh1,350,000

On sale: Available for preorder now

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The flights Etihad (www.etihad.com) and Spice Jet (www.spicejet.com) fly direct from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Pune respectively from Dh1,000 return including taxes. Pune airport is 90 minutes away by road. 

The hotels A stay at Atmantan Wellness Resort (www.atmantan.com) costs from Rs24,000 (Dh1,235) per night, including taxes, consultations, meals and a treatment package.
 

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Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
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Fund-raising tips for start-ups

Develop an innovative business concept

Have the ability to differentiate yourself from competitors

Put in place a business continuity plan after Covid-19

Prepare for the worst-case scenario (further lockdowns, long wait for a vaccine, etc.) 

Have enough cash to stay afloat for the next 12 to 18 months

Be creative and innovative to reduce expenses

Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business

* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna

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1921

1888

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  • Dr Bassam Samir Al Talhouni, Minister of Justice
  • Majd Mohamed Shoueikeh, State Minister of Development of Foundation Performance
  • Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
  • Falah Abdalla Al Ammoush, Minister of Public Works and Housing
  • Basma Moussa Ishakat, Minister of Social Development
  • Dr Ghazi Monawar Al Zein, Minister of Health
  • Ibrahim Sobhi Alshahahede, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Environment
  • Dr Mohamed Suleiman Aburamman, Minister of Culture and Minister of Youth

Out

  • Dr Adel Issa Al Tawissi, Minister of High Education and Scientific Research
  • Hala Noaman “Basiso Lattouf”, Minister of Social Development
  • Dr Mahmud Yassin Al Sheyab, Minister of Health
  • Yahya Moussa Kasbi, Minister of Public Works and Housing
  • Nayef Hamidi Al Fayez, Minister of Environment
  • Majd Mohamed Shoueika, Minister of Public Sector Development
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  • Mokarram Mustafa Al Kaysi, Minister of Youth
  • Basma Mohamed Al Nousour, Minister of Culture
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.0-litre%20four-cyl%20turbo%20%2B%20mild%20hybrid%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E204hp%20at%205%2C800rpm%20%2B23hp%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E320Nm%20at%201%2C800rpm%20%2B205Nm%20hybrid%20boost%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E9-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E7.3L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENovember%2FDecember%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh205%2C000%20(estimate)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The burning issue

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2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

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AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final

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  1. Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg and his friends started Facebook when he was a 19-year-old Harvard undergraduate. 
  2. Dell: When Michael Dell was an undergraduate student at Texas University in 1984, he started upgrading computers for profit. He starting working full-time on his business when he was 19. Eventually, his company became the Dell Computer Corporation and then Dell Inc. 
  3. Subway: Fred DeLuca opened the first Subway restaurant when he was 17. In 1965, Mr DeLuca needed extra money for college, so he decided to open his own business. Peter Buck, a family friend, lent him $1,000 and together, they opened Pete’s Super Submarines. A few years later, the company was rebranded and called Subway. 
  4. Mashable: In 2005, Pete Cashmore created Mashable in Scotland when he was a teenager. The site was then a technology blog. Over the next few decades, Mr Cashmore has turned Mashable into a global media company.
  5. Oculus VR: Palmer Luckey founded Oculus VR in June 2012, when he was 19. In August that year, Oculus launched its Kickstarter campaign and raised more than $1 million in three days. Facebook bought Oculus for $2 billion two years later.

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Updated: December 11, 2024, 5:07 AM`