The main destructive factor keeping refugees from returning to their homes is the occupation of parts of the territory of Syria, a sovereign state and member of the United Nations, by foreign forces, both countries said in a joint final statement issued at the end of their regular meeting in Damascus.

The statement denounced that the illegal military presence leads to the looting of the country’s natural resources and fuels the tension in the region.

The sanctions policy against Syria, which prevents the reconstruction of the country and deprives Syrians of the possibility of returning to live normally, is another obstacle, the statement highlighted.

Likewise, both Russia and Syria denounced the negative attitudes of several Western countries and international organizations that refuse to collaborate and help in early recovery and infrastructure improvement efforts.

Yet another main problem is the constant support for terrorism by several Western countries that are determined to cover up the terrorists, they deplored.

Despite all these obstacles, the return of displaced persons is a national priority for the Syrian government, which makes the maximum effort, with the help of Russia, to guarantee the conditions for a safe, comfortable and voluntary return of refugees, they concluded.

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