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Iraq shifts its ambassador

New Delhi March 12. Iraq has abruptly shunted out its Ambassador to India, Saleh al-Mukhtar, to Vietnam in the midst of a possible U.S. attack on his country.

This follows the U.S. blacklisting the Indian company, NEC Engineering Private Limited, accusing it of illegally exporting the dual use items to Iraq.

The NEC is reported to have sent consignments of various chemical substances to Iraq, which Baghdad strongly denies. Mr. Mukhtar has also denied that he was involved in the deal.

Mr. Mukhtar, who played an important role in projecting Iraq's image in India, tried his best to persuade his Government to reconsider the decision, but failed, according to sources. He left India this afternoon.

The sudden departure of the Iraqi Ambassador, who has not been replaced, surprised many diplomats here.

UNI

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