KABUL (PAN): Noting that some countries using the refugee issue for their political interests, minister-designate for refugees' affairs Enayatullah Nazari has said he will fix the mess if entrusted to run the ministry. In his appearance before the Wolesi Jirga to get trust vote on Monday, Nazari said refugees are facing problems in some countries while some of them are used as political ploy by leaders and groups. However, he added, this would be stopped in future. Nazari said he had prepared a comprehensive strategy to solve the problems of refugees outside the country and the displaced people living here. He said one part of the strategy was regarding constitution of refugee societies outside Afghanistan. The societies would discuss problems of refugees with the Afghan government, he added. He said the return of refugees to their country would be gradual under the same strategy and in coordination with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The returnees would be given jobs and shelter alongside other facilities, he added. He also vowed to end administrative corruption in the ministry if appointed as minister in the new cabinet. Replying to questions from members of the Wolesi Jirga, Nazari admitted that townships were established but plots were not given to returnees there. However, he promised to take serious measures in this regard if appointed as minister. Regarding educational problems facing refugee children, Nazari said only those refugees were facing problems who had been living illegally in other countries. He said his ministry would sign an agreement with Pakistan and Iran to stop forceful repatriation of refugees from there. dk/ma
