Panama reviews logistic for Syrian refugees
PANAMA’S Foreign Ministry reported Wednesday September 9, that it has started preparing for meetings to discuss accepting refugees from Iraq and Syria.
Meetings have been established, with the International Committee of the Red Cross, civil defense agency Sinaproc and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to assess all the implications in terms of costs and logistics, said Sandra Lombardo, director of International Cooperation.
On Tuesday, President Juan Carlos Varela offered Panama’s assistance to European countries overwhelmed by immigrants displaced by violence in the Middle East.
At the local level, Varela’s statements have been interpreted as a “show of solidarity.” However, there are concerns about how the country would handle an influx of refugees.
Immigration official Tayra Barsallo said that the issue of integrating refugees into Panama’s society must be carefully analyzed.
