wfn.org | Re: MCC aids latest victims of renewed violence in Iraq

[Mennonite Central Committee Communications]

TOPIC:  MCC AIDS LATEST VICTIMS OF RENEWED VIOLENCE IN IRAQ
DATE:   September 27, 1996
CONTACT:  Pearl Sensenig
V: 717/859-1151 F: 717/859-2171
E-MAIL ADDRESS:  mailbox@mcc.org

Iraqi Kurds are seeking refuge in Iran

AKRON, Pa. -- Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is
helping to supply food to Kurdish refugees in Iran, who
are the latest victims of renewed violence in Iraq.  The
Iraqi Kurds fled to Iran following Saddam Hussein's
invasion of Kurdish territory in northern Iraq early this
month.

As of September 23, more than 67,000 Kurds had
registered in five refugee camps hastily established by
the Iranian Red Crescent Society.  An additional 150,000
Kurds are reportedly waiting at the Iranian border.  The
Iranian Red Crescent Society quickly exhausted its stock
of relief supplies and appealed to the international
community for assistance.  

MCC initially contributed $13,700 Cdn./$10,000 U.S. to the
Iranian Red Crescent Society to buy food locally.  "This
was an expression of our solidarity with them," explains
Ed Martin, who directs MCC program in Southern and
Central Asia.  "We wanted to do something quickly."

MCC then worked through the Canadian Foodgrains Bank
to supply an additional $100,000 Cdn./$72,750 U.S. to the
Iranian Red Crescent Society for food purchases.  As
well, MCC plans to send comforters and warm clothing,
and is discussing shipping some food commodities
through the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

U.S.-imposed economic sanctions against Iran have
hampered MCC aid.  The Chase Manhattan Bank in New
York refused to wire money to Iran, citing the sanctions. 
Due to the emergency nature of the situation, MCC then
chose to transfer funds through its Canadian office. 
Churches for Middle East Peace, a Washington-based
coalition, sent a letter of protest to Warren Christopher,
the U.S. Secretary of State, and to Robert Rubin, the
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.

"Humanitarian assistance to the victims of the latest
round of fighting in northern Iraq should not be
hindered by inter-governmental tensions.  The Kurds
who have sought refuge in Iran should not be held
hostage to international politics," wrote Corinne
Whitlatch, Churches for Middle East Peace Director.   
      

This week the Iranian Red Crescent Society reported a
limited response by the international community to its
request for help in caring for the Kurdish refugees. 
Officials also noted they expect the refugees to remain in
Iran for some time.

MCC first worked with the Iranian Red Crescent Society
in 1990 to provide relief for victims of an earthquake in
northwestern Iran that killed some 30,000 people.  Since
1991, MCC has also cooperated with the society to assist
Iraqi refugees who fled to Iran as a result of the Persian
Gulf War. 

The Kurds are a distinct minority group found in Syria,
Turkey, Iran and Iraq.  They have no homeland of their
own.
                         -30-
pls27september1996