Kosovan asylum appeal refused

Edmond Pone fled Kosovo at the age of 15

A Kosovan asylum seeker who entered the country as a teenage stowaway in the back of a lorry has had his appeal to stay in Wales refused.

BBC Wales has learned that Edmond Pone, who is now 18, will have to leave his foster family in Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, despite saying he fears for his life in Kosovo.

Edmond Pone says there is nothing for him in Kosovo, only memories of pain and torment, from when his famliy had to flee a country ravaged by war.

He has been cared for by his foster family in Ebbw Vale since he and another refugee, Kreinar Illeshi, were discovered in the back of a lorry in September 1999.

At the age of 15, Edmond's parents had told him to flee and find a better life.

When Edmond and Kreinar arrived at the home of their foster parents, Julia Gregg and Steve Crandon, they were described as frightened and withdrawn.

Edmond and Kreinar met the Archbiship of Canterbury, Rowan Williams

Ms Gregg taught them at home and helped them develop links with the local community. Edmond has since begun training to be a builder, and Kreinar plans to become a plumber.

Both youths play an active role in local events, attending church regularly and helping to raise funds. Last year they spearheaded a charity event which raised £3,700 for Christian Aid.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams - who knows Edmond's foster family from their involvement in the church - provided a personal reference in support of the application.

Numerous petitions were also signed, but his application for asylum was unsuccessful.

An appeal against the decision has also been refused, with an adjuicator deciding that, despite the emotional upheaval it would cause, it will be safe for Edmond to return home.

He maintains he is terrified at the prospect of returning.

Edmond and Kreinar were quickly accepted into the community

"My parents wanted me to be safe," he told BBC Radio Wales on Tuesday.

Devastated at the news, Edmond's foster parents are now taking advice on whether they can take their case to a tribunal.

"We are very frightened for him, not just because we don't consider Kosovo to be a safe place, but because if he is sent back, he will have no home, no support, and no future," Ms Gregg said.

"It has taken a lot for Edmond to get to the position now where he feels relatively safe and comfortable.

"To take him back and abandon him is totally unacceptable."