U.N. appealed Iraq's neighbors to open borders to people fleeing a U.S.-led war
Iraq-Regional, Politics, 3/22/2003

The U.N. agency, which has been racing to prepare for a possible 600,000 Iraqi refugees, issued its call as the first ones arrived in neighbouring Jordan just hours after the U.S. launched its attack.

"We must do everything we can to alleviate that suffering, including keeping borders open so that those fearing for their lives can reach safety in neighbouring states," Lubbers, a former Dutch prime minister, said in a statement.

Lubbers also called for unrestricted access to all border areas to enable its 200 staff in the region to monitor arrivals and "ensure that the rights of refugees are respected." Kris Janowski, UNHCR spokesman in Geneva, told Reuters: "The only problem we have at the moment is Syria. They told us the border was closed." Iraqis had begun trickling into Jordan, he added.

"They are getting out of harm's way but not asking for our help. They seem to be able to take care of themselves and don't need emergency accommodation or food," Janowski said.

Sudanese nationals who were working in Iraq also arrived on buses in Jordan on Thursday.

Iran, where the largest flows are projected, has left its borders open, according to the UNHCR spokesman.

Four UNHCR mobile teams are travelling along Turkey's border with northern Iraq, which has remained open. "They are checking crossing points. They have not seen any flows," he said.

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have left open their borders. Few Iraqis are expected to head for Kuwait, the main entry point for U.S. and British troops preparing to invade Iraq. It is also a heavily-mined zone.

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