Sweden Grants Blanket Asylum to Syrian Refugees

Doesn't expect violence to end anytime soon

Sweden on Tuesday became the first European Union country to announce it will give asylum to all Syrian refugees who apply.

"All Syrian asylum seekers who apply for asylum in Sweden will get it," Annie Hoernblad, the spokeswoman for Sweden's migration agency, told AFP.

"The agency made this decision now because it believes the violence in Syria will not end in the near future."

The decision, which will give refugees permanent resident status, is valid until further notice, added Hoernblad.