Iraq embassy to be shut down

Iraq’s embassy in Manila will stop operations and close down any time now, diplomatic sources said yesterday.

The US-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in Baghdad has ordered the embassy’s closure to cut all ties of ousted President Saddam Hussein to Iraqi diplomatic missions, said an Arab diplomat, who asked not to be named.

"The CPA wants to cut all ties of Saddam Hussein to diplomatic missions, which can later reopen under a new leadership," the diplomat said.

Sources said the Iraqi embassy sent a diplomatic note yesterday to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to inform the Philippine government of the CPA’s instructions.

"They said the activities of the embassy will be suspended and the embassy will be closed in the near future," sources said.

The DFA will be informed later if the CPA has ordered the embassy’s reopening, sources added.

A source said the Philippine government will no longer provide security to Iraqi diplomats in the country as they have ceased to enjoy diplomatic rights and privileges.

"But even if they don’t have the status anymore, they would still be allowed to stay for humanitarian reasons, while they await instructions from Baghdad," the source said.

The remaining Iraqi diplomats will no longer be invited to diplomatic functions and activities, the source added.

Sources said Iraqi embassy staff were instructed to remain in their posts to safeguard chancery equipment and facilities, and to await further instructions.

The US has asked host governments to inform the US embassy in case Iraqi diplomats apply for asylum, sources added.

Earlier, the US Embassy told the DFA that US authorities are willing to undertake background investigation on Iraqi diplomats to determine if they have connections with terrorist groups.

The steering committee of the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs chaired by Mohammad Amin Ahmad has ordered the recall of all Iraqi heads of mission abroad. — Pia Lee-Brago