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ARMENIANS OF IRAQ RETURN
[04:44 pm] 18 January, 2007

The Armenians of Iraq go on returning to their Homeland. Some of them
live in rented houses, others have already bought flats. «Those who
managed to sell their property in Iraq have bought flats in Armenia
and live perfectly».

«There are people who are currently looking for temporary dwelling
places. Many of them study in the Yerevan Medical University. They
live comparatively in better conditions. The Migration agency gives
temporary dwelling places to the citizens seeking asylums», says Nune
Asatryan, representative of the Red Cross Organisation in Armenian. By
the way, the organisation is unaware of the number of Armenians
immigrating to Armenia because of the Iraqi war. They are only aware
of their applicants.

No country is bound to provide refugees with flats. Armenia is not an
exception in this respect.

The Danish Council of refugees is implementing a program in Armenia
aimed at assisting the refugees. The Armenian Red Cross, «Mission to
Armenia» NGO and Armenian Sociological Association have got the right
to realise the program.

According to the 2006 statistic data, they have already rendered
assistance to 286 applicants, among them people seeking shelters,
people having the status of temporary refuge.

The refugees from Iraq are classified as people having the status of
temporary refuge as according to the international and local
legislation, in case of mass migration people are granted temporary
status.

By the way, the Armenian Red Cross will render the Iraqi refugees
financial and material assistance depending on the number of family
members and the family needs. They will also give them medicine in
case of chronic diseases. The above mentioned organisation also holds
trainings, excursions aimed at integrating refugees’ children to the
society.