TNAG-1542-FCO40-2106-United-Nations-High-Commissioner-for-Refugees-(UNHCR)-Execut-1986 — Page 136

CONFIDENTIAL

UNCHR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EXCOM): GENEVA 6-16 OCTOBER 1986

GENERAL BACKGROUND BRIEF ).

IRAN IRAQ

2

Introduction

We expect Iran and Iraq to squabble about the conflict, as they do at every possible opportunity. The last round of aggresive rhetoric between the two sides at the Non Aligned Movement Summit was well- reported.

Refugee Problem

The refugee problem in Iran and Iraq is caused by they conflict between the two countries, and by those fleeing unsympathetic political systems. There is also a large influx of refugees from Afghanistan to Iran; this is dealt with in a separate brief. Half the Iraqi population is Sh'ia and nearly all the Iranian population. However, one finds very few Iraqi Shias crossing the border to go to

Iran.

The topic of the Iran/Iraq conflict is particularly sensitive, and it is important not to become involved in either side's rhetoric. The following general points on policy are worth nothing, and can be used freely in discussions:

a.

The British Government deplores the continuation of this unnecessary and destabilising conflict which is profligately wasteful and damaging in human and economic terms.

b. The British Government is strictly impartial in the conflict. We have a strict defence sales policy to Iran and to Iraq but do not wish the conflict to affect our civil commercial relations with

either side.

QAMAHN (1)

CONFIDENTIAL