High priority for Arab migrants, refugees - Arab League chief

CAIRO, July 26 (KUNA) -- The Arab League stressed Wednesday the importance of setting a high priority for the issue of Arab migrants and refugees as part of the international work agenda, and in light of exceptional developments due to crises and armed struggles in recent years.
In a statement, the League said that such remarks were made during a meeting between Arab League Secretary General Ahmad Abul-Gheit and visiting Deputy Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ambassador Laura Thompson, a part from her participation in the Arab regional consultation meeting on migration hosted in the Arab League.
Abul-Gheit also mentioned that such armed conflicts, particularly in the Arab region, resulted in the overflow of huge number of Arab refugees from various countries, mainly from Syria, Yemen and Libya.
Arab League chief underlined the significance of making the correspondent international mechanism, including IOM, to ensure that host countries of migrants abide by their commitments, follow procedures, and help Arab refugees or migrants.
The statement also highlighted discussion during the meeting on finding ways to improve cooperation between Arab League Secretariat and IOM, and to better enhance the conditions of Arab migrants. (end) mfm.mb