UN: Number of Syrian refugees expected to hit 6m

Amin Awad, Regional Refugee Coordinator for Syria at UN High Commissioner for Refugees, has expected that the number of Syrian refugees will be doubled by the end of 2014 to hit nearly 6.5 million persons. In a press conference at the UN seat in New York, Awad noted that the number of refugees will reach up to 6.5 million by the end of this year if the fighting continue in the war-torn country. Awad pointed out that he is deeply regreted for the ongoing fighting across Syria during Geneva II conference. Talks between the Syrian opposition and the government took place last week in Geneva but ended without result. A further round is planned for next week. The Syrian uprising began in March 2011 and the UN says more than 100,000 people have died in the conflict. Millions more have been forced to flee their homes to neigbouring countries. Source: MENA