WORLD BRIEFING / IRAQ

Iraqi government leaders in Baghdad welcomed the highest-ranking Kuwaiti envoy since former President Saddam Hussein’s 1990 invasion of its neighbor.

The timing of the visit by Kuwait’s deputy prime minister, Sheik Mohammed al Sabah, was symbolic: It came as Kuwaitis celebrated the 18th anniversary of the U.S.-led military campaign that drove out Hussein’s forces.

Much of the tiny Persian Gulf nation was left looted and devastated by the Iraqi occupation, and Kuwait still claims billions of dollars in war reparations. It has refused appeals by Iraq’s government to reduce its demands and forgive about $15 billion in Iraqi debt.

During the talks, Iraq’s prime minister made a point of denouncing Hussein’s aggression.