BERLIN: Germany, France, Austria and several Nordic countries said Monday they would freeze all pending asylum requests from Syrians, a day after the ouster of president Bashar Al-Assad. While Berlin and other governments said they were watching the fast-moving developments in the war-ravaged nation, Vienna signaled it would soon deport refugees back to Syria. Far-right politicians elsewhere made similar demands, including in Germany, home to Europe’s largest Syrian community, at a time when immigration has become a hot-button issue across the continent. Alice Weidel of the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany reacted with disdain to Sunday’s mass rallies by jubilant Syrians celebrating Assad’s downfall. “Anyone in Germany who celebrates ‘free Syria’ evidently no longer has any reason to flee,” she wrote on X. “They should return to Syria immediately.” World leaders and Syrians abroad watched in disbelief at the weekend as Islamist-led rebels swept into Damascus, ending Assad’s brutal rule while also sparking new uncertainty. A German foreign ministry spokesman pointed out that “the fact that the Assad regime has been ended is unfortunately no guarantee of peaceful developments” in future. Germany has taken in almost one million Syrians, with the bulk arriving in 2015-16 under ex-chancellor Angela Merkel. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said many Syrian refugees “now finally have hope of returning to their Syrian homeland” but cautioned that “the situation in Syria is currently very unclear”. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees had imposed a freeze on decisions for ongoing asylum procedures “until the situation is clearer”. She added that “concrete possibilities of return cannot yet be predicted and it would be unprofessional to speculate in such a volatile situation.” Rights group Amnesty International slammed the freeze on asylum decisions, stressing that for now “the human rights situation in the country is completely unclear”. The French interior ministry said it too would put asylum requests from Syrians on hold. ‘Repatriation and deportation’ In Austria, where about 100,000 Syrians live, conservative Chancellor Karl Nehammer instructed the interior ministry “to suspend all ongoing Syrian asylum applications and to review all asylum grants”. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner added he had “instructed the ministry to prepare an orderly repatriation and deportation program to Syria”. “The political situation in Syria has changed fundamentally and, above all, rapidly in recent days,” the ministry said, adding it is “currently monitoring and analyzing the new situation”. Denmark, Sweden and Norway also said Monday they were suspending the examination of asylum applications from Syrian refugees. The leader of the far-right Sweden Democrats, a coalition partner in the government, said residence permits for Syrian refugees should now be “reviewed”. “Destructive Islamist forces are behind the change of power” in Syria, wrote their leader Jimmie Akesson on X. “I see that groups are happy about this development here in Sweden. You should see it as a good opportunity to go home.” In Greece, a government spokesman voiced hope that Assad’s fall will eventually allow “the safe return of Syrian refugees” to their country, but without announcing concrete measures. ‘Populist and irresponsible’ In Germany, the debate gained momentum as the country heads towards February elections. The center-right opposition CDU suggested that rejected Syrian asylum-seekers should now lose so-called subsidiary protection. “If the reason for protection no longer applies, then refugees will have to return to their home country,” CDU legislator Thorsten Frei told Welt TV. CDU MP Jens Spahn suggested that Berlin charter flights to Syria and offer €1,000 to “anyone who wants to return”. Members of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats criticized the debate as “populist and irresponsible”. Greens party deputy Anton Hofreiter also said “it is completely unclear what will happen next in Syria” and deportation talk was “completely out of place”. Many Syrians in Germany have watched the events in their home country with great joy but prefer to wait and see before deciding whether to return home. “We want to go back to Syria,” said Mahmoud Zaml, 25, who works in an Arabic pastry shop in Berlin, adding that he hopes to help “rebuild” his country. “But we have to wait a bit now,” he told AFP. “We have to see what happens and if it is really 100 percent safe, then we will go back to Syria.” – AFPAs the basketball world awaits updates on Sun Minghui's condition, questions linger about the responsibility of players and officials in maintaining a safe and fair playing environment. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical risks and vulnerabilities that athletes face on the court, despite their training and skill.Title: Tencent Video Downgrades VIP Service to Concurrent Viewing on 1 Device, Maintains Existing Benefits for Old Members
The policy signals sent by the government have had a positive impact on market sentiment, with investors interpreting them as a sign of the authorities' commitment to addressing key challenges and promoting stability in the real estate and stock markets. The assurance of regulatory support and intervention where necessary has helped to alleviate concerns and instill confidence in the market.
However, the highlight of Xu Zhengyuan's trip was not just the match itself, but the opportunity to meet up with his longtime friend and former teammate, Park Jisung. The two football legends shared a special bond that was forged on the field many years ago, and their friendship has only grown stronger over the years. The reunion of these two great minds of the game was a momentous occasion, with fans and fellow football enthusiasts alike celebrating their friendship and shared passion for the sport.
Universities are enrolling overseas students who lack English language skills and other "basic requirements". Some of these students are unable to understand simple questions and need to use translation apps in lectures and seminars, said professors writing for the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) thinktank. There "widespread silence" about the problem, said the anonymous professors, with cash-strapped higher education institutions seemingly willing to turn a blind eye to the shortcomings of overseas students, on whom they are increasingly reliant to stay afloat. Pulling tricks Tuition fees for English domestic students have not kept pace with inflation, representing "a real-terms cut in university funding", said the BBC . This makes foreign students an attractive financial prospect for universities. Fees for domestic undergraduate students in England are capped at £9,250, but there is no upper limit on tuition fees for overseas students. "You can charge a foreign student as much as they're willing to pay," the HEPI's Rose Stephenson told the broadcaster. Agents working for companies that prepare international students for English university now "target families abroad" who have plenty of money, a whistle-blower told the BBC. And there are question marks over how suitable many of these students are. Jo Grady from the University and College Union, which represents 120,000 lecturers and university staff, said it's an "open secret" that students who lack English skills still manage to join courses in the UK. "Tricks are pulled" to make sure they "pass the relevant language test", she told the BBC. Around seven out of 10 students studying on master's courses in England are now from overseas. One postgraduate student from Iran told the broadcaster she was "shocked" to find many of her fellow students had limited English, and most students paid other people to do their coursework, or even to attend lectures for them. Many students had "bought assignments" from "essay mills" based overseas, she said, and although this practice is illegal in England, when she reported this to her tutor, he took no action. Two anonymous professors at Russell Group institutions told the HEPI that "one-to-one supervision and feedback meetings" are "particularly excruciating" and they've both "regularly encountered students who are unable to understand simple questions" like "What have you read on this topic?". Difficult decisions The Home Office said it is reviewing English language assessments to ensure all international students have the necessary the skills to understand their course materials, and that those who do not "shouldn't expect a place at a UK university". Universities UK – which represents 141 institutions – "rejects" the suggestion that overseas students are being allowed on courses with "poor English language skills" as a way of "boosting income", said the BBC. Vivienne Stern, the body's chief executive, said that universities carry out strict checks on those they enrol – including minimum language levels. The unidentified professors said "improved regulation of English language entry standards" was "clearly required", but they also called for an "honest, open, and evidence-led discussion" of the problem in the context of policy debates about the future of higher education funding . The fundamental issue is that it is becoming "increasingly unprofitable" for British universities to teach British students, wrote Tom Jones for The Critic . "If we are to build a more successful and sustainable future for the UK universities", this "cannot be based on recruiting ever more foreign students" to allow the government to avoid "politically difficult decisions" on higher education.The "Peace of Mind Service" plan includes a series of initiatives designed to streamline and improve the user experience in various aspects of daily life. One of the key features of the plan is the integration of new features and services into the AMAP platform, such as food delivery, grocery shopping, and household services. By partnering with local businesses and service providers, AMAP aims to provide users with easy access to a variety of essential services, all through the convenience of their mobile devices.Thanksgiving Weekend Sports Guide: Your roadmap to NFL matchups, other games, times, odds
Real reason why Obaseki refused to distribute Tinubu’s books to Edo students emergeSo, as the cold settles in and the temperatures plummet, let us remember that within the chill lies a hidden warmth, a fierce beauty, and a quiet strength. Let us welcome the cold, colder, coldest mode with a sense of awe, a spirit of resilience, and a heart full of wonder. For it is in the depths of winter's cold embrace that we find the true essence of our humanity, the depth of our being, and the beauty of our existence.
Thanksgiving Travel Latest: Airport strike, staff shortages and weather could impact holiday travelAs the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if Sarr and Doucoure can maintain their high level of dribbling success and continue to make a significant impact on their teams' performances. Their ability to consistently break through opposition defences and create scoring opportunities will be crucial in determining the success of Watford and Everton in the Premier League this season.
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As the investigation into the primary school principal's case continues, authorities have vowed to spare no effort in pursuing justice and holding the accused accountable for their actions. The Supreme Court's disclosure of this scandal sends a clear message that corruption in any form will not be tolerated and those who betray the trust of the public will be brought to justice.
In conclusion, the release of the congratulatory image featuring Master Chief as Indiana Jones is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and enduring appeal of the Halo franchise. As fans eagerly anticipate the launch of "Halo Infinite" and the thrilling adventures that lie ahead, the image serves as a reminder of the limitless potential for storytelling and exploration in the rich and immersive world of Halo. With Master Chief at the helm, fans can rest assured that the journey ahead will be filled with excitement, danger, and unforgettable experiences.