UNHCR: Many Iraq areas unsafe for return

[Barrett808]

Source: Associated Press

UNHCR: Many Iraq areas unsafe for return
By FRANK JORDANS, Associated Press Writer

GENEVA - Many areas of Iraq are too dangerous for Iraqi refugees to return to, the U.N. refugee agency said Friday, contrary to Iraqi government statements that the security situation has improved enough for exiles to come home safely.

The Iraqi Red Crescent said in a report this week that more than 25,000 Iraqi refugees returned, mostly from Syria, between Sept. 15 and Nov. 30.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, however, believes that "many areas are still considered unsafe and conditions are not conducive for return in safety and dignity," agency spokesman William Spindler told reporters in Geneva.

He said the U.N. agency was "not promoting or facilitating in any way returns to Iraq," but added that refugees — most of whom have fled to Syria and Jordan — have a right to go back to their country if they want to.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071207/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iraq_refugees

[Brrrp]

1. Donate to the UNHCR refugee fund here:

http://www.unhcr.org/donate/donate_sin.htm

You can earmark your gift for Iraq refugees.

[Barrett808]

2. Welcome to DU! And thanks for the link.

:hi: