Bush authorizes $ 24 millions for Iraqi, other refugees

Washington, Sep 10 : President George W Bush authorized up to 24 million dollars to meet ''unexpected and urgent'' needs of refugees from conflicts in Iraq, Lebanon, and Sri Lanka, according to a memorandum released today.

The amount from the United States Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund was not to exceed $24 million ''for the purpose of meeting unexpected and urgent refugee and migration needs,'' Bush said in a memorandum to the Secretary of State.

The funds were for international, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations, and administrative expenses of the State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, the memo said.

The funds were to address ''humanitarian needs resulting from conflicts in Iraq, Lebanon, and Sri Lanka,'' the memo said.

Reuters>