Return of refugees on agenda as countries edge towards normalising relations with Syrian president
New York politicians argue over where to accommodate new arrivals as US faces rise in people crossing border
About six million Syrians fled the country after civil war broke out 12 years ago, and a similar number were displaced, as the Damascus regime, backed by Iran and Russia, brutally crushed the rebellion and regained control over much of the country. Previous attempts to return displaced Syrians to areas under regime control have led to allegations of abuses. Although active conflict has reduced in Syria, rights groups have consistently documented arrests, enforced disappearances, conscription and persecution of returnees. Some returnees have also been blocked from going to their home areas or forced into government-run makeshift shelters controlled by security forces.
Arab diplomats said the refugee scheme was a way to test if Mr Assad was serious and could be trusted to make reforms. They also insisted that those backing the move had not discussed economic aid with Damascus and want to first see progress on the refugee issue.
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