Amnesty for army deserters

Beirut – The Syrian government has announced an amnesty for men who deserted the army or avoided service, giving them several months to report for duty without facing punishment, it said yesterday.

The fear of conscription and punishment for ducking it or for desertion is frequently cited by aid groups as one of the main reasons refugees do not go home. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said the amnesty covered all punishments for desertion inside or outside Syria. – Reuters