BRUSSELS (Sputnik) — President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker welcomed on Thursday Russia's withdrawal from Syria, suggesting the move may reduce the refugee influx into Europe.
"I do not have a summary evaluation in this regard. I welcome the Russian initiative on pulling out of Syria. It can easily lead to a reduced number of refugees that seek to come to Europe, but it's still too early to say," Juncker said at a press conference ahead of the European Council meeting due to take place on Thursday and Friday.
Any steps taken to help the ongoing Syrian peace talks in Geneva are welcome, he added.
