Iraq VP urges Jordan to reconsider visa move

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

AMMAN (AFP) — Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi has urged Jordan to consider lifting visa requirements on Iraqis wanting to enter the kingdom, which is struggling to stem a huge influx of refugees.

"Today I feel sad after Jordan imposed visas on Iraqis, who reach the borders and return home because of the visas," Hashemi said in a statement after talks with King Abdullah II in Amman on Tuesday.

"We understand that the kingdom took the decision for strictly security reasons, but it should be reconsidered and resolved to help end the suffering of Iraqis."

Hashemi, who is on a regional tour, said he was seeking stronger ties with neighbouring Jordan, where between 500,000 and 750,000 Iraqi refugees live -- an estimated 360,000 of them illegally.

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