Hostage crisis in Syria! They are asking ransom for griffon vulture from Serbia, parliament gets involved

Photo: www.ibiss.bg.ac.rs,Zoran zoo-vrt/Shutterstock

The Birds of Prey Protection Foundation continues its diplomatic and legal fight for the release of the griffon vulture Zora, a bird from Serbia who was caught in Syria during its migration, for the release of which the locals are demanding money, Stefan Andjus from the Foundation confirmed today for Telegraf.rs.

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According to the latest information, communication with the institutions in Syria has been raised to a higher level, and the Syrian parliament is involved in the whole process.

"Unfortunately, there is still no particular progress, but what we know and the latest information is that we have made contact with the Syrian parliament. Certain authorities are now working on it, communication has been established at higher levels and I hope that soon we will have more news, as well as that it will be positive," Andjus told our portal.

Last year easter imperial eagle Feliks from Serbia suffered a similar fate, but was successfully returned to our country after several months of negotiations. Our interlocutor points out that negotiations at a higher level are the usual practice when such situations arise.

"It's a practice, as soon as and if possible, embassies or local authorities are contacted in order to establish communication at that level. It's certainly better to solve the problem diplomatically and legally," Andjus stated.

"It's not about money"

He points out that the Foundation remains firm and will not give in to blackmail, that the issue of money is not the main issue, and that is precisely why he did not want to reveal the amount requested for the return of Zora.

"(The sum) varied, but the essence is not in the number at all. We try not to give in to such demands, because in doing so we open the door to this type of practice, which is certainly negative. If you pay once, they will continue to capture birds for that very reason. In this way, we are sending a clear message that there is no point in doing that," said Andjus.

Previous cases give hope

However, according to the assessment of the interlocutor is that the chances that Zora will eventually be released and returned to nature are real, especially considering the successful resolution of previous similar situations.

"It's crucial to get in touch with local authorities who are able to react on the ground. There is little else we can do logistically. We hope for success, as was the case with imperial eagle Feliks, who was successfully rescued, but also with a griffon vulture that fell in Iraq. We believe that we will achieve the same result this time, exclusively using legal means," Stefan Andjus told Telegraf.rs.

(Telegraf.rs)