High Commissioner visits Tunisia, to continue to Iran

High Commissioner António Guterres arrived in Tunis yesterday evening (Monday) for a two-day visit at the invitation of the Government of Tunisia. His mission is aimed at strengthening cooperation between UNHCR and Tunisia, and at reinforcing UNHCR's presence in the country through the establishment of a full-fledged representation. Mr. Guterres will meet with the President, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, the Minister of National Defense and other senior government officials as well as the UN Country Team, UNHCR partners and staff. Upon request of the Tunisian government, UNHCR started its operation in the country in 1957 to assist several thousand Algerian refugees who had arrived in the country. Since 1963, UNHCR has maintained an Honorary Representation in Tunis.

On Thursday, Mr. Guterres will begin a visit to Iran, his second since being appointed High Commissioner in mid-2005. During his Sept. 4-7 mission, he is scheduled to meet the newly appointed Minister of the Interior and to discuss with him and other Iranian officials the future of refugees in Iran and UNHCR's mandate in the country. He will also see UNHCR's Iran operations and meet with refugee representatives.