USIA - UNHCR Asks Italy, Greece to Open Borders to Those Fleeing Albania, 97-03-14
From: The United States Information Agency (USIA) Gopher at <gopher://gopher.usia.gov>
UNHCR ASKS ITALY, GREECE TO OPEN BORDERS TO THOSE FLEEING ALBANIA
(UNICEF alarmed at numbers of children carrying guns) (300)
By Wendy Lubetkin
USIA European Correspondent
Geneva -- The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has asked
countries near Albania not to send back those who are fleeing the
country.
"UNHCR is following the developments in Albania, and we are requesting the
neighboring countries to allow those leaving Albania to enter their
territory and to remain there as long as necessary," said UNHCR spokesperson
Kris Janowski. "The conditions of their stay should be in accordance with
international human rights and humanitarian standards."
Speaking at a press briefing the morning of March 14, Janowski said that
only a limited number of individuals had fled Albania at that point. "Some
have fled targeted violence, apparently, while others fled the general
conflict situation."
UNHCR is in "close contact with the governments of Italy and Greece" and is
discussing with them "arrangements for possible influx of population," he
said.
"Essentially, at this time we do not want people sent back," Janowski said.
"The situation in Albania is very confused, very volatile, and judging from
the reports, it is getting worse. Under those circumstances sending people
back would be exposing them to possible dangers."
UNICEF has expressed alarm at the number of children who appear to have
obtained weapons as a result of the looting of military warehouses in
Albania.
"We are very worried by the fact that the distribution of arms has been so
general that many children are roaming the streets with extremely dangerous
and sophisticated weaponry," said UNICEF spokesperson Marie Heuze.
UNICEF and non-governmental organizations in Albania are broadcasting a
message over local television stations urging children not to use the
weapons.
From the United States Information Agency (USIA) Gopher at gopher://gopher.usia.gov
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