Warsaw to backtrack on refugees post-Paris?

Saturday's statement made by Minister Konrad Szymański following the Paris terror attacks has thrown a spanner in the works of the city hall, which had for weeks been engaged in implementing an action plan to help prospective newcomers integrate into Polish society.

"In the face of the tragic events in Paris, Poland sees no political possibilities for implementing the decision on the relocation of refugees" he said on Saturday, a day after a series of terrorist attacks took place in Paris, leaving over 120 people dead and some 300 injured.

The minister later affirmed the country would take in 7,000 fledglings, a step which the former Civic Platform government committed to as part of the EU's relocation scheme in September, but only "if [Poland] has security guarantees."

The city hall had been working towards setting up a special team centered on facilitating the adaptation process for asylum-seekers, which includes cultural education for kids and an individual housing programme for the handicapped and single mothers. The scheme also includes an information campaign targeting Warsaw residents.

The local authorities are now awaiting the government and the regional decisionmakers to take a stand on the issue, city hall spokesperson Bartosz Milczarczyk said. "A decision has not been taken as yet, which is why I am unable to say when, how and if Warsaw will take in refugees," he explained.

The spokesperson assured, however, that if given a green light, the local authorities will be ready to accept and help the victims of war. (aba/di)

Source: RDC, Wawalove