LONDON, July 6: The United Nations refugee agency has offered to help break the deadlock between Britain and France over the Sangatte refugee camp, where hundreds of Afghan refugees have been stranded for a number of years.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees says it is ready to screen the 1,200 residents of the camp, near the French port of Calais, which is only miles away from the British port of Dover on the other side of English Channel.

The UNHCR officials say that through screening, they would determine the genuine refugees. The agency says that after the screening, genuine refugees could then be split between Britain and France.

The offer to intervene was made at a meeting with the British Home Secretary, David Blunkett.

The Sangatte refugee camp has become a major issue between the UK and France.

A Home Office spokesman said, “Any deal on Sangatte is a matter for the UK and the French. The UNHCR isn’t brokering a deal but we welcome their involvement.”

Blunkett is due to meet his French counterpart, Nicolas Sarkozy, in Paris for further talks.