Syrian families wait their turn to register at the UNHCR center in the northern city of Tripoli, Lebanon, Wednesday, March. 6, 2013. The number of Syrians who have fled their war-ravaged country and are seeking assistance has now topped the one million mark, the United Nations’ refugee agency said Wednesday warning that Syria is heading towards a "full-scale disaster." (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
UN refugee chief sees increase in Syrian refugees
Published: 11:01:28 AM, Sun 10 March 2013 UTC
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — The U.N. chief for refugees says the number of refugees from Syria could increase by "two or three times" the present level by the end of the year if the country's conflict doesn't end.
U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres says the international community should work toward ending the conflict and says there is a "risk of an explosion" throughout the already volatile Middle East region if it continues much longer.
Guterres was speaking in Ankara on Sunday, days after the number of U.N.-registered refugees in neighboring countries topped 1 million.
Guterres also renewed a call for nations to help support Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan and other countries shelter the refugees.
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