According to a representative of the U.S. Committee for Refugees in Washington, D.C., officially soldiers who deserted during the Iran-Iraq War will not face ill-treatment or imprisonment by the government of Iran (4 Aug. 1992). The representative further reported that the problem facing these ex-soldiers is how they will be accepted, especially if they have been living in Western countries, upon return in Iranian regions where the authority of the central government varies greatly and consequently where it will be difficult to assure their protection (Ibid.).

For further information on the above-mentioned subject please refer to the attached documents.

U.S. Committee for Refugees, Washington, D.C. 5 August 1992. Telephone Interview with Representative.

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 21 March 1991. "Wartime Absentees and Deserters Pardoned by Khamene'i." (NEXIS)

Teheran Domestic Service [Tehran, in Persian]. 20 March 1991. "Khamene'i Pardons Wartime Absentees, Deserters." (FBIS-NES-91-055 21 March 1991, pp. 42-43)