New measures to ease return of Iraqi refugees from restive Syria
The latest disturbances in Syria are likely to have some adverse impact on the state of more than one million Iraqi refugees there.
Syria has been generous and liberal with the exodus of Iraqis who fled violence in their home land.
Today, many of them fear that their future in their country is at risk.
Scores of Iraqi families have returned home in the wake of anti-demonstrations that have swept several Syrian cities.
But Iraqi authorities expect thousands to return and say they have taken several measures to ease their coming home.
More staff has been sent to the border post of Waleed in anticipation of a massive return of refugees in case security conditions worsen in neighboring Syria.
The border post lies within the provincial territory of Anbar Province.
Provincial spokesman Mohammed Hantoosh said the customs officials administering the border post have been instructed to “ease the return of Iraqis from Syria.”
He said a new health clinic will be opened and other facilities made available to cater for the returning refugees.
“We have instructed the customs officials to accommodate all the returning refugees regardless of their numbers,” he said.
Hantoosh said more troops have been deployed on the highway linking the border post with the rest of the country to secure the arrival of refugees to their destinations in the country.
The highway was recently the scene of attacks in which several vehicles were targeted and drivers kidnapped.
Analysts say the government is not prepared for a large-scale return of refugees as most of them have either lost or sold their property and belongings and will have nowhere to stay.
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