[A-List] Libya closes Iraq Embassy, cites attack on Palestinian embassy

[Macdonald Stainsby <mstainsby@xxxxxx>]

http://www.aljazeerah.info/2n/Libya%20Closes%20Down%20Embassy%20in%20Baghdad
,%20Agence%20France%20Presse.htm

      Libya Closes Down Embassy in Baghdad
      Agence France Presse

       Arab News
      TRIPOLI, 2 June 2003 - Libya yesterday announced a break in diplomatic
relations with Iraq and the closure of its embassy in Baghdad following the
US raid on the Palestinian mission in the Iraqi capital.

      "Libya has decided to cut diplomatic relations with Iraq, to close its
embassy in Baghdad and recall all its personnel," the Foreign Ministry said
in a statement.

      It said the decision was taken due to "the practices of the American
and British occupation forces against diplomatic missions in Baghdad and the
announcement that their diplomatic immunity had lapsed."

      The US-led coalition is responsible for the safe return of the Libyan
diplomats and the protection of their embassy, it stressed.

      The break in ties "will have no bearing on the relations between the
two peoples, Iraqi and Libyan", the ministry said, adding that relations
would be restored "once Iraq recovers its freedom, independence and
sovereignty."

      The US State Department said Thursday that foreign diplomats in Iraq
no longer enjoy diplomatic immunity or any of the privileges they were
accorded under their accreditation to Saddam Hussein's former regime.

      In addition, spokesman Richard Boucher said Washington is advising
foreign countries to hold off on sending envoys to Baghdad until a new Iraqi
government is in place as "at this point there is really no purpose" for
them to be there.





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Macdonald Stainsby
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