Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met via video conference the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mrs. Ylva Johansson.

During the meeting the two sides discussed the situation of the Iraqi immigrants and asylum seekers to the European Union.

The Minister declared that migrants need care and assistance from the European Union to reduce their suffering, and to find joint mechanisms to start a dialogue on asylum seekers in the European Union countries.

The Minister indicated that the world witnessed, from time to time a phenomenon of migration and displacement, due to the challenges they suffer targeting their security and stability.

His Excellency praised the governments that received the Iraqi immigrants, considering it a humanitarian act, stressing that: “ We look with all respect and appreciation for any country opened its lands for the Iraqi immigrants, and we look at it as a positive position”.

He mentioned that the Iraqi constitution recognizes freedom of movement and travel, stressing the need to secure requirements of the Iraqi refugees, and that Iraq encourages and supports the voluntary return and rejects forced return.

For her part, Mrs. Johansson stressed that the European Commission supports voluntary return and provides assistance for returning migrants and integrating them into society upon their return, and that it is ready to cooperate with those who refuse to return after obtaining return decisions.

Mrs. Johansson offered her condolences to the government and people of Iraq for the tragic fire of Imam Hussein Hospital in Nasiriyah, which caused the lives of dozens of citizens.