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Iraq to repatriate citizens stranded at Belarus border

The Iraqi announcement came as the European Union said it would step up sanctions on the Belarusian government and some airlines.
WOJTEK RADWANSKI/AFP via Getty Images

Iraq says it will repatriate its citizens stranded along the Poland-Belarus border who want to return home beginning Thursday as aid agencies warn of a worsening migrant crisis at Europe’s doorstep.  

"Iraq will carry out a first flight for those who wish to return voluntarily on the 18th" of November from Belarus, Iraqi Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed al-Sahaf said Sunday. He added that Iraqi authorities have drawn up a list of 571 Iraqis who are willing to return from the border “voluntarily” on flights from Minsk to Baghdad. 

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