Iraq Pledges $25M to Help Refugees

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Source: Associated Press

The head of the U.N. refugee agency said Wednesday a decision by Iraq to assist its citizens who have fled the country was "a major step forward to allow for people to keep their hope alive."

Speaking at the end of a two-day international conference, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres said Baghdad's pledge to spend $25 million assisting Iraqis in Syria and Jordan was "a major change in the pattern of relations in the region and in the prospects for refugees in the area."

"My government embraces its duty toward its citizens, wherever they are, and we will not abandon them," Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told reporters.

The money will be spent on education, health and housing programs for refugees.

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