EU interior ministers to discuss issue of foreign fighters in Syria

EU interior and justice ministers will have an in-depth discussion on the issue of foreign fighters and returnees during their meeting in Luxembourg on Thursday and Friday, EU sources told journalists here Tuesday. The discussion on the issue will be from a counter-terrorism perspective and based on a document prepared by the EU Counter Terrorism Coordinator, noted the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. According to western media reports, hundreds of young Muslims from Belgian and the Netherlands have gone to Syria to fight against the regime of Bashar Al Assad. The two-day meeting in Luxembourg will be chaired by Alan Shatter, Irish Minister for Justice and Defence, whose country holds the current EU Presidency. The ministers will also discuss the issue of protection of refugees from the Syria conflict. "The situation in Syria clearly remains a matter of deep concern for the Union. The deteriorating humanitarian situation within Syria itself and the increasing burden being placed on neighbouring countries hosting those fleeing Syria is a matter of particular concern for the EU," said the sources. Huge numbers of Syrians have been internally displaced and the numbers seeking refuge in the neighbouring countries are likewise increasing. According to the most updated UN figures, there are over 1.5 million Syrians registered or awaiting registration as refugees in neighbouring countries and North Africa. The EU and its member states have provided, and will need to continue to provide, a strong response in terms of humanitarian assistance to the persons in need of protection and to the local communities in Syria and in the neighbouring countries, added the sources.