Somali refugees start returning home
Somalia, Local, 7/16/2002

The higher commissioner for the UN refugees started on Monday the return of thousands of Somali refugees in Djibouti to the northern west of Somalia after most of hem spent more than 10 years outside their country.

The commission released a statement in the Kenyan capital which said that the repatriation operation represents the beginning of the end for the crisis of refugees in the Middle East and the African Horn.

The commissioner registered the names of some 14,000 persons among other 21700 refugees in "Haul Haul" in Djibouti within those who desire in taking part in the program for the voluntary return of refugees. 231 persons crossed the borders to the "land of Somalia" -- the separatist district from Somalia to the northern west part of the country.

The commissioner said it will supervise the process of transporting the refugees from Djibouti to the "land of Somalia" every two days until the end of the current month.

Worthy mentioning, the "land of Somalia" announced its independence from Somalia in 1991, but it was not recognized internationally.

Previous Stories:
  Somali tourism minister kidnapped by gunmen   (6/27/2002)
  UN agency voices concern for Somali refugees after four killed near Kenyan border   (5/18/2002)
  UN suspends activities in Makadishu   (5/8/2002)

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