for refugees already in the country; the implementation of that programme was therefore in jeopardy. He appealed for additional assistance to be provided for the new refugees. 74. Mr. SAFAEE (Islamic Republic of Iran) said that the shortfall in UNHCR resources had made it necessary for his country, over the past two years, to draw increasingly on its own resources in order to í\má the assistance programme for refugees on its territory. While voluntary repatriation should be encouraged, assistance should continue to be provided to the refugees without exerting pressure on them to return to their countries of origin. A/AC.96/SR.451 page 14 75. During the first half of 1990, the Islamic Republic of Iran had received new refugees on its eastern and western borders and its Government welcomed the decision taken by UNHCR to dispatch a mission to look into the new arrivals coming from the west. 76. The special programme for the rehabilitation of rangelands in the province of South Khorasan, the preparation of which had called for nimierous preparatory studies and which comprised various components aiming ultimately at preparing for the repatriation of the refugees, had still not been implemented. The situation was extremely regrettable and if it were to continue, it would undermine the credibility of UNHCR which had finalized the programmé with Iran and the International Fimd for Agricultural Development. 77. Mr. CHIRILA (Observer for Romania) took note with satisfaction of the strategy which the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees intended to apply in the future. 78. UNHCR had been one of the first international agencies to make contact with the Romanian authorities after the revolution of December 1989, dispatching a mission of solidarity and co-operation to Romania in January 1990. The Romanian Government was ready to continue and to intensify the dialogue and co-operation with the Office of the High Commissioner, 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the challenges faced by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in providing assistance to refugees in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The conversation revolves around the shortage of resources, the need for additional assistance, and the importance of continuing to provide aid to refugees without pressuring them to return to their countries of origin. The text also touches on the topic of repatriation and the preparation of refugees for their return. The themes of humanitarian aid and relief, as well as international cooperation, are dominant throughout the text.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, International relations