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24 September 2014
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21.03.03

WORLD SERVICE


Ambassador confirms a number of countries have expelled Iraqi diplomats


In an interview with the BBC Arabic Service, the Iraqi Ambassador to Switzerland has confirmed that a number of countries have expelled Iraqi diplomats following a request put forward by the United States.


He said that Iraq intends to respond to this through the Human Rights Committee currently in session in Geneva.


In an interview today to BBC Arabic, the Iraqi Ambassador to Switzerland, Mr Samir Khair Al-Na'amah, said: "The US request embodies an insolence intended to undermine the Iraqi diplomatic presence abroad, because such a presence is bound to expose the US aggression towards Iraq.


"An eroded Iraqi diplomatic presence would give the impression that one of the main elements of the Iraqi regime and its representation abroad had finished, thus enabling the US to fill the void through a false legitimacy. The Iraqi diplomatic representation is still standing."


He hopes for action from the Human Rights Committee.


He said: "We hope that something will come out of it condemning this aggression, reinforcing the Iraqis' rights for self-determination and its freedom to choose its regime and re-affirming the adherence to the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian laws during the war."


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