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Omar Souleyman speaks after being denied entry to Sweden
By Aly Barchi | Published on Tuesday 6 August 2013
Syrian artist Omar Souleyman has been denied a visa by Swedish authorities, and so, as things stand, will have to miss Gothenburg’s Way Out West festival this weekend.
The singer has already had to cancel an appearance at the Stockholm Music & Arts Festival after being told its currently Sweden’s national policy to not admit Syrian citizens. Apparently – or so says a statement on the Way Out West website – one reason given to Souleyman’s people is that there is a “risk of him applying for a residence permit in Sweden was too high”.
Also on the WOW website, Souleyman himself adds: “I could not believe the reason for which my visa was denied – that of Sweden being afraid that I will want to stay there and apply for a residence permit when I arrive. I am a musician who travels all over the world and to all western countries to sing for people and to make them dance. I have never ever had any wish or intention to remain in any country that has issued me a visa that enables me to perform for people there. It is clear to anyone who will take a look at my extensive touring history for the last five years in the western world – where I have been and how many borders I have crossed. Hundreds and hundreds”.
He continues: “I have a family in Syria and I have no intention of ever abandoning them. The Embassy had the information clearly of all my children, wife, brothers and sisters, parents, who all live in Syria. I support them and give my life for them. I have never had nor will he ever have any intention to defect into Sweden. I love my home as troubled as it is right now, more than anything”.
And: “The decision of the Consulate is very wrong but I have accepted that; now I hope that my management will do everything together with promoters in Sweden to correct that”.
Way Out West organisers still hope that Souleyman will be allowed to honour his booking, and invite Swedish authorities to “change their minds and do the right thing”.
