Romania allows entrance of Eritrean refugees

September 10, 2008 (BUCHAREST) – Romanian Government has authorised today the entry of 41 Eritrean refugees in the country without visa. Bucharest said it took this decision on humanitarian basis.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Romanian government the Eritrean refugees who arrived from Libya are allowed to stay in the country for six months.

The Romanian decision comes in response to a request filled by the High UN Commissioner for refugees Antonio Gueterres, who urged the Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu, to take in account the refugees’ need for international protection.

The UN refugee body plans to relocate the refugees to other Western countries in the near future.

Also, the UNHCR and International Organization for Migration (IOM) with take in charges the costs triggered by their stay in Romania.

Libya, which has no asylum law or asylum procedures for individuals fleeing persecution, deported hundreds of Eritrean refugees crossing through Sudan border.

The UNHCR raised concern after mass deportation of Eritrean asylum seekers from Egypt last June.

The Eritreans include political opponents, Pentecostal Christians fleeing religious persecution and others trying to avoid military service.

(ST)