Residents of Adygea: repatriation of Circassians from Syria is a good step

Resettlement of the Adygs (Circassians) living in the Syrian Arab Republic to their historical homeland in the territory of Russia is a logical and necessary step, given the tense situation in Syria. This opinion was expressed by the residents of Adygea, interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"On December 28, the Parliament of Adygea passed a unanimous decision to help our compatriots – to resettle 100,000 Circassian families from Syria to Adygea," said Ivan Bormotov, a Deputy of the State Council-Khase of the Republic of Adygea. "The republic is ready to accept them. Moreover, the federal budget will allocate huge funds on accommodation of repatriates, say, 5 million roubles for each family. Adygea will thus receive a great support."

"I'm for resettlement of Circassians from Syria to their historical homeland," Nalbij Cheuchev, President of the League of Peace of Adygea, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. "If our fellow countrymen find themselves in a difficult situation, because they have a civil war there, they should be helped in every possible way."

"I agree that we should help our compatriots, if it's so bad there, but why hadn't they dreamed of returning to their historic homeland before, when it was all OK there?" asked a 34-year-old trader from the village of Koshekhabl. "They could have come, started their businesses here and helped their native Adygea. I think that there are wealthy people among repatriates. The living standards in Syria are higher; therefore, it'll be beneficial for Adygea."

"I don't think that after repatriates arrive, any serious ethnical problems may arise," said a 49-year-old police officer from Adygeisk. "Yes, we've grown up in different cultures. We have Soviet roots. At first, they may 'claim their rights'; and the crime situation may somewhat get worse; but no more. You see, Kosovo Circassians have resettled; and nothing terrible happened. Thus, I'm for resettlement."