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Iraq

Jordan to post ambassador to Iraq

2006-08-19

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Jordan has become the first Arab state to send a fully accredited ambassador to Iraq, the government said on Friday. The move was a major display of political support for the U.S.-backed government in the face of insurgent threats to Muslim states not to deepen ties.

Ambassador Ahmed al-Lozi presented his credentials Thursday to Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, a presidential statement said. Al Lozi traveled to Baghdad with Jordanian Prime Minister Marouf Al Bakhit, who arrived Tuesday for a three-day visit. The diplomat presented his credentials in a private ceremony, Talabanis aide, Hiwa Othman, told The Associated Press.

Now let's see the Gulf states do the same.

The United States has long urged Iraqs Arab neighbours to upgrade diplomatic relations to the ambassadorial level, rather than maintain missions headed by lesser-ranking diplomats, as an affirmation of support. But the Arabs had been stalling due to ongoing violence and concern over the Shia-led governments dealings with the Sunni minority, which forms the foundation of the insurgency, and its ties to Shia-dominated Iran.

Egypt agreed last year to sent an ambassador, Ihab Al Sherif, but he was kidnapped in July 2005 and assassinated before presenting his credentials...

Egypt agreed last year to sent an ambassador, Ihab Al Sherif, but he was kidnapped in July 2005 and assassinated before presenting his credentials. Two Algerian diplomats were kidnapped in the same month and killed. In October 2005, two Moroccan Embassy workers were abducted and later killed. Two months later, Sudan closed its embassy in return for the release of six embassy employees who had been kidnapped.

Al-Qaida in Iraq claimed responsibility for all the kidnappings and murders, and warned Arab and Muslim countries against establishing relations with Iraqs Shia-dominated government.

In March, however, Arab countries agreed to open diplomatic missions in Iraq after scathing criticism by Iraqs Kurdish foreign minister that they are not doing enough to help the wartorn nation.

Posted by:Steve White

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