Iraqi refugees get haven in EU countries

BRUSSELS, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- European Union interior ministers say member countries of the international organization will open their borders for up to 10,000 Iraqi refugees.

EU ministers said at a meeting this week that member countries will have the choice to open their borders to scores of Iraqi refugees currently living in Jordan and Syria, the EU Observer said Friday.

French Immigration Minister Brice Hortefeux said at Thursday's meeting that the refugee decision came in the wake of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights' call for Europe to offer sanctuary to up to 80,000 displaced Iraqis during the next three years.

German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schauble announced after the meeting that his country would host 2,500 of the refugees, the largest share of the refugee limit of any EU country.

The limit was approved by EU members despite opposition from countries like Greece and Malta, who have been outspoken proponents of offering homes to Iraqi refugees.

The Observer said camps in Jordan and Syria are home to an estimated 1.5 million displaced Iraqi nationals.