Russia ready to help Iraqi refugees

MOSCOW, March 19 (KUNA) -- Russia is ready to help with the humanitarian aid for Iraqi refugees expecting to reach 600,000, Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu told Itar Tass Wednesday.

He added that "Up to 600,000 refugees could leave Iraq, and therefore we have carried out a full range of surveys and coordination with our colleagues from Iran," Shoigu told Itar Tass.

Shoigu said Russian officials were "concentrating on the humanitarian aspects of a possible war in Iraq."

If military action begins in Iraq, Russia will deploy its humanitarian teams on Iranian territory bordering Iraq and will set up a tent camp for refugees if needed, he added. (end)

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