UNHCR lauds Iran's invaluable contribution to refugees

Tehran, June 18, IRNA - Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Iran Carlos Zaccagnini said on Tuesday that Iran's sincere assistance to refugees is far from compensation.

"We respect the grave burden shouldered by the Iranian government."
He told reporters on the global Day for refugees that the fact is that
"We under no circumstances can compensate Iran's assistance to this
end."
He urged the UNHCR to render more assistance to Iran since the body is
committed to dealing with such humanitarian crisis.

"Unfortunately, we could not fulfill our promises but the
international community is serious to render more aid to Iran," he said.

Iran's actions in dealing with the issue of refugees especially the
Afghans are very admirable, he said.

Major parts of Iran's conducts and regulations are in conformity with
the international rule, he said in reference to tackling the refugee
crises in the wake of the US-led invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan in
2003.

There are some 18 camps in Iran hosting about 35,000 refugees, he said. - End