Wellington: New Zealand on Monday agreed to repatriate alleged Islamic militants and two small children, who had been detained in Turkey since February.
The decision followed a bitter dispute with Australia where the country needed to assume the responsibility for the woman, which has become a dual citizen of the two countries to Australia abandon its citizenship under the anti-terrorism law.
Women and children were arrested when they tried to cross illegally from Syria to Turkey, according to the Turkish Ministry of Defense.
Turkey only identified him with initials, S.A., while the New Zealand media said he was Suhayra Aden, who was 26 years old during his arrest.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand has calculated international responsibilities and cannot eliminate citizenship from anyone if you leave it without citizenship.
“ I made a very strong representation for Australia that he must be allowed to return there.
His family moved to Australia when he was 6 and he grew up there before leaving for Syria in 2014 in the Australian passport, “ Ardern said in a statement.
‘Unfortunately, Australia will not reverse the cancellation of citizenship.’ ‘Ardern said the safety and welfare of New Zealand were the most important concern for the government.
He said there was extensive planning with police and other agencies.
“ I can convince people who are very carefully considered how women and their children are returned to New Zealand and how they will be managed in a way that minimizes the risk for New Zealand, “ Ardern said.
Ardern said anyone who was allegedly associated with terrorist groups must expect to be investigated under the law of New Zealand, although the case remains a problem for the police.
The New Zealand police confirmed the investigation into progress but rejected further comments about whether he would face criminal charges.
New Zealand to accept alleged Islamic militants, 2 children
