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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group

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To: NickSE who wrote (75632)	2/19/2003 2:58:01 PM
From: NickSE	Read Replies (4) of 281500

Britons told to leave Iraq thisislondon.com The Government today warned all Britons in Iraq to leave immediately in the most dramatic build-up yet to war. Some 4,500 Britons in neighbouring Kuwait are also being told to get out without delay. Travellers to Israel are being warned not to go unless their visit is essential. The advice officially issued by the Foreign Office this afternoon puts the entire region on alert for conflict. The warning to those in Iraq directly recalls that Saddam used Westerners, including Britons, as hostages during the last Gulf War. The Foreign Office also announced that the wives and families of British diplomats in Kuwait and Israel are being shipped out and that diplomatic staff themselves who do not wish to stay in a potential war zone will be free to depart. Today's statement said: "The Foreign Office has long advised against travel to Iraq. The following paragraphs have been added to the Travel Advice: We advise any British nationals already there to leave immediately. We are giving this advice because of the increasing regional tension and the risk of terrorist action. "If you are considering going to Iraq you should be aware that British nationals were used as hostages during the 1990-91 crisis by the Iraqi regime, being held where their safety was at most risk. "You should also be aware that there is no British diplomatic presence in Iraq to offer consular assistance." The Foreign Office knows of some 150 Britons in the country, including a number of aid workers helping the Kurdish community in the north. There are also a number of Britons opposed to the war who recently travelled to Baghdad to act as "human shields" in an effort to avert conflict. There are up to 70,000 British citizens in Israel, though many hold dual nationality. Today's series of announcements was cleared with 10 Downing Street, with all concerned well aware that the warnings would be seen as a further step to war. Officials stressed that a decision to attack Saddam Hussein had still not been taken and that it was essential to see as many Britons as possible depart while they were still able to do so. But one source acknowledged: "We know how this will be read."

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