The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Damascus

Some 140 Iraqi refugees living in Syria headed home Wednesday on a free trip organized by the Iraqi government. Many cited improved security in Iraq and dwindling savings as reasons for their return.

The refugees boarded a chartered Iraqi Airways flight to take them to Baghdad, where they will receive an official reception at the airport. The Iraqi Embassy says it is planning several such trips in the coming weeks.

It was the first such trip since last November, when the embassy organized similar free convoys. Hundreds of refugees went back at the time as the situation improved amid a U.S. troop increase and the decision by former Sunni insurgents to turn against al-Qaida in Iraq.

An official at the Iraqi Embassy, Adnan al-Shourifi, said Wednesday's trip - which was organized for the first time in cooperation with the U.N. agency for refugees - reflects international recognition of the improved security situation in Iraq.

He urged all refugees to return home to take part in rebuilding their country, saying they will be given cash and other incentives.

Ayman Gharabiyah, a UNHCR official, said most of the Iraqis were returning home because their savings have run out.