Iraqi Diplomats Asked to Leave U.S.
The U.S. has demanded that Iraq diplomats leave the U.S. by midnight tonight. On Wednesday, the diplomats were given 48 hours to leave the country.
When a diplomat is declared persona non-grata, he is expected to leave and take his family with him.Yesterday, the U.S. asked 67 other countries to sever ties with Iraq and close Iraqi embassies. Only two, Australia and Romania, have indicated they intend to do so.[State Dept. Spokesman Louis] Fintor could not say where the Iraqi diplomats would go. Normally when diplomats are expelled they are expected to return to their country.
However, because of the war it would be difficult for the ousted Iraqi diplomats and their families to return home. They can, however, go to Algeria, which will be considered a host country because the Iraqi interest section is located at the Algerian Embassy. The diplomats could also seek asylum in a third country.
| < Update on Hit on Saddam | Gray Davis Shakes Up the California Judiciary > |