Iraqi refugees wait to register their names at UNHCR centre in the Douma suburb of Damascus

The Syrian Organization for Human Rights says that the number of Iraqis who have fled to Syria has reached to almost 2 million.

Abdul-Karim al-Rihawi, the head of the organization, said there was a 'daily influx of some 2,000 Iraqis to Syria' and that only very few Iraqis leave after their arrival.

Many did not register with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in Syria, he added.

Al-Rihawi said Syria was being overwhelmed by the large number of Iraqis who currently make up an estimated 10 percent of the 18.5 million people.

He urged the government to admit that there is a 'refugee crisis' in the country with many economic problems and where Syrians 'have consequently endured the negative repercussions of this crisis in their daily lives, especially with regard to the soaring prices of food items.'

Iraqis do not need visas to enter Syria and can legally reside for up to three months in the country.

AGB/RA

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 03:51:41

Source: DPA