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Naguib Sawiris, an Egyptian telecommunications tycoon, has offered to buy an island from Greece or Italy in order to provide a refuge for families fleeing violence in Syria and elsewhere.
Greece or Italy sell me an island,ill call its independence and host the migrants and provide jobs for them building their new country
— Naguib Sawiris (@NaguibSawiris) September 1, 2015
Crazy idea .. Maybe but at least temporary until they can return to their countries ??!!
— Naguib Sawiris (@NaguibSawiris) September 1, 2015
“You have dozens of islands which are deserted and could accommodate hundreds of thousands of refugees,” he told AFP, adding that the tens of millions required to buy the land would need to be increased dramatically to provide infrastructure.
Currently refugees are being “treated like cattle”, he noted, adding that his plan would allow them the dignity of “human beings”.
Sawiris’ business interests include telecommunications networks in a number of countries and television channels. He bought a majority stake in Euronews in July but does not play a role in editorial decisions.