Syrian refugees get warm welcome in Uruguay

Five families were personally welcomed by President Jose Mujica after travelling across half of the world.

The first batch of Syrians escaping the conflict in their homeland are settling in Uruguay where they have been enthusiastically welcomed by the president and locals.

The government says it will house, educate and help them find work before a second group of refugees arrives next February.

Uruguay also hopes that its bigger, wealthier neighbours in Latin America will follow their lead and take in other Syrian refugees.

The country’s president, Jose Mujica, spoke to Al Jazeera’s David Schweimler about the project.

Source: Al Jazeera