UN refugee chief urges patience as Syrian refugees weigh options

GENEVA (Reuters) - The U.N. refugee chief on Monday called for patience as millions of Syrian refugees displaced by the 13-year civil war weigh a possible return to the country after the toppling of autocratic president Bashar al-Assad.

"There is a remarkable opportunity for Syria to move toward peace and for its people to begin returning home," said United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi in a statement sent to journalists.

"But with the situation still uncertain, millions of refugees are carefully assessing how safe it is to do so. Some are eager, while others are hesitant." He called for "patience and vigilance" as refugees weigh their options.

Already on Monday, European countries were putting asylum applications from Syrians on hold until further notice.

The likelihood of returns is likely to depend on whether Syrian's new leaders prioritise law and order, he said. "A transition that respects the rights, lives, and aspirations of all Syrians – regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs – is crucial for people to feel safe." UNHCR stood ready to help states organise voluntary returns, Grandi added.

(Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Alex Richardson)

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