(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Prime Minister Tony Abbott has confirmed that Australia would extend its campaign of air strikes into Syria, besides plans to "move quickly" to accept an extra 12,000 refugees affected by the conflict.
Abbott said in a press conference in the capital Canbberra that his government will also provide USD 44 million in financial aid for refugee agencies in the form of food, supplies and cash as people living in refugee camps prepare for the winter.
"Our focus will be on those most in need, the women, children and families of persecuted minorities who have sought refuge from the conflict in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey", he said.
A team of Government officials will depart for the region as soon as possible to begin identifying and processing potential candidates for resettlement.
A senior government official was quoted by Austaralian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) as saying it is hoped the first refugees will arrive before Christmas, but the department also has a significant existing caseload.
The extra measures have been warmly received by the Opposition and refugee groups.
In addition, Australia will provide humanitarian support to more than 240,000 Syrian and Iraqi people who have been forced to flee their homes or seek refuge in neighbouring countries. This is expected to cost USD 44 million, he said.
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