More than 11,000 displaced families return to Baghdad

Baghdad: Some 11,400 displaced families returned to Baghdad last month due to improved security in the city, Abdul Khaliq Zanqana, a deputy in the Iraqi parliament and chairman of the committee for the displaced told Gulf News.

He added the number of families displaced from Baghdad had reached nearly 130,000 with people either going to neighbouring countries or other parts of the world. The figure was 132,000 according to Baghdad government statistics and 92,000 according to figures provided by the Iraqi ministry of immigration.

The return of thousands of displaced families is considered one of the most positive signs of life returning to normal in Baghdad but this return is still modest compared to the total numbers of displaced people within Iraq and outside it.

"Returning is not easy, 3,000 houses belonging to the displaced in different regions of the Iraqi capital, are still occupied by strangers and they refuse to leave despite the incentives provided by the Government, including the payment of 300,000 dinars (Dh919) or $250 per month for six months to urge these outsiders who have seized the houses of displaced people to leave," Zanqana added.

The repatriation of the displaced is one of the main challenges and tests facing Nouri Al Maliki's government and this return will determine whether Al Qaida has been defeated or not, and if the return is in large numbers it will mean that the Government has succeeded in imposing its standing on the ground.

"The Iraqi government has embarked on a strategic policy for the return of the displaced to Baghdad. This policy includes ensuring the voluntary return of the displaced and providing effective mechanisms for reintegration into society and providing them with proper services and freedom from sectarian religion or denomination," Tahseen Al Shaikhly, civilian spokesman for the Baghdad security plan, told Gulf News.

The Iraqi government hopes to return nearly 60,000 displaced families by the end of 2008 but this goal seems unattainable for many reasons. For example individuals may feel unable to return due to painful memories, said Al Shaikhly.

"Painful memories and fears in the hearts of the displaced may prevent their return to their homes in large numbers," Al Shaikhly said.