Iran-Iraq border points to be closed till April 4

Tehran, March 25 (IANS) The border points between Iran and Iraq will be closed for passengers until April 4 in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, a top government official said hereThe announcement was made on Wednesday by Hossein Qasemi, Director-General of Border Affairs of Iranian Interior Ministry, Xinhua news agency reported.The decision was taken by the National Headquarters for Fighting Coronavirus following the request of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Qasemi told the media.However, if there are Iranian nationals in Iraq who want to return, or if Iraqi nationals in Iran want to go back to their country, they can cross the border, he said.Also, border crossing for traders, contractors and engineering activities would be possible after necessary evaluations, he added.On February 20, Iran closed several crossing points with Iraq to stem the spread of a new coronavirus variant.
--IANS ksk/