Britain sets asylum rights for Iraqis

[maddezmom]

Source: AP

LONDON - About 600 Iraqis employed as aides for British armed forces and diplomats are likely to make claims for asylum in Britain by 2009, government officials said Tuesday.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband set out criteria for assistance to be given to Iraqi civilian staff after a public outcry demanding better protection for the workers.

Senior British military figures and human rights activists have long warned Iraqis working alongside coalition forces are vulnerable to being targeted by insurgents and militia groups who accuse them of being collaborators.

"Locally engaged Iraqi staff working for our armed forces and civilian missions in Iraq have made an invaluable contribution, in uniquely difficult circumstances," Miliband told legislators.



Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071009/ap_on_re_eu/britain_iraq