Britain Expels 8 Iraqis, Will Deport 67 More
Britain today ordered the expulsions of eight members of the Iraqi Embassy staff and the deportation of 67 other Iraqis, citing threats by Iraq to attack Western targets if war breaks out in the Persian Gulf.
The eight Iraqi Embassy staff members, seven of whom are diplomats, were given 24 hours to leave the country, and their families must go within a week, the Foreign Office said.
“I am very sorry about them. They are my friends,” Iraqi Ambassador Azmi al Salihi said in a brief comment to London’s Independent Radio News. “They are very sincere about their work and their country.”
The Iraqi Embassy refused further comment.
Home Secretary Kenneth Baker deported 67 Iraqis resident in Britain, saying he considered their presence “not to be in the public good for reasons of national security.” They have until Jan. 10 to leave.
“The Iraqis have made a number of public threats. It is clearly prudent to take all precautions,” said a Foreign Office spokeswoman, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The Iraqi threats have been once again linked to the possibility of hostilities.”
There were no details about any specific threats posed by the presence of the Iraqis who are being sent home.
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