TWO Iraqi soldiers who helped rescue Melbourne man Douglas Wood from kidnappers in the war-torn country in 2005 have been given asylum in Australia.
Mr Wood, who spent six weeks under threat in Iraq until being rescued in April 2005, asked Kevin Rudd act swiftly in assisting the servicemen to obtain sanctuary in Australia.
Immigration Minister Senator Chris Evans said the two men, who had been hiding in the Middle East after fleeing Iraq, had arrived safely in Australia this week.
"The Australian Government recognises the contribution that the Iraqi service personnel made in securing the release of Douglas Wood," Senator Evans said.
"The lives of these men were assessed as being in imminent danger so it was critical their claims were processed as quickly as possible," he said.
The Iraqi men will receive the assistance provided to all refugees through the government's humanitarian settlement services to help them establish their new lives in Australia.
Mr Wood, who spent six weeks under threat in Iraq until being rescued in April 2005, asked Kevin Rudd act swiftly in assisting the servicemen to obtain sanctuary in Australia.
Immigration Minister Senator Chris Evans said the two men, who had been hiding in the Middle East after fleeing Iraq, had arrived safely in Australia this week.
"The Australian Government recognises the contribution that the Iraqi service personnel made in securing the release of Douglas Wood," Senator Evans said.
"The lives of these men were assessed as being in imminent danger so it was critical their claims were processed as quickly as possible," he said.
The Iraqi men will receive the assistance provided to all refugees through the government's humanitarian settlement services to help them establish their new lives in Australia.
Source: The Australian
Posts
