BAGHDAD -- Iraqi Migration Minister Abdul-Samad Rahman Sultan told RFE/RL’s Radio Free Iraq that the country is expecting a flood of refugees this spring, after the school year ends, and in advance of December’s general election.
Iraqi refugees are returning to their mother country by the thousands, with 220,000 back in 2008.
The United Nations’ High Commission for Refugees reports that the figure could double if the country remains relatively stable in 2009.
Iraqi officials are seeking an agreement with the international community to prevent the forced repatriation of Iraqi refugees, who number some 2 million.