Iraq to give US$8 million to Jordan for hosting refugees

[Lone_Star_Dem]

Source: IRIN

MMAN, 28 November 2007 (IRIN) - The Iraqi government will give Jordan US$8 million to help host the estimated 500,000 Iraqi refugees now living in the country.

The Iraqi ambassador to Jordan, Saad Hayani, said the money was to support education and health institutions which have come under financial pressure owing to the influx of Iraqi refugees since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

The money will be presented on 28 November during an official meeting between Jordanian Finance Minister Hamad al-Kassasbe and his Iraqi counterpart, Bayan Jabr Solagh.

Most Iraqis in Jordan live in the main cities of Amman, Zarqa and Irbid.

Jordan has recently allowed nearly 50,000 Iraqi residents to be enrolled in schools without the need to obtain permanent residency.

Read more: http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportId=75546