British government advice

national | miscellaneous | news report

Wednesday February 19, 2003 23:23

by Lisa Molin

The british government are advising British citizens to leave Iraq as immediately because of the threat of terrorist action in the area...!! The advice was published on http://www.fco.gov.uk

On the British Foreign and Commonwealth office website you can read the following "FOREIGN OFFICE ADVISES BRITISH NATIONALS IN IRAQ TO LEAVE (19/02/03)

The Foreign Office today revised its Travel Advice for Iraq to advise British nationals in Iraq to leave immediately, given the increasing tension in the region and the risk of terrorist action.

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 of 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 1990/1 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.' "

What is the real threat here?