March 10, 2003	Monday	Muharram 6, 1424

BAGHDAD, March 9: Iraq denounced on Sunday what it called a “rabid” US campaign against its diplomats, after the United States expelled two Iraqi officials from the United Nations and urged other countries to follow suit.

The diplomats, both accredited to the world body, were expelled Wednesday for “activities outside the scope of their official functions,” a euphemism for spying.

The United States also asked numerous foreign countries to expel suspected Iraqi spies operating in those nations on the grounds that Washington believes they are threats to its interests abroad.

“This hostile action is part of an American-Zionist campaign designed to damage Iraq and harm the friendly relations it holds with most countries in the world,” an Iraqi foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement.

“The expulsion of two Iraqis working at our UN mission is an action that breaches international law, the UN Charter and the Vienna Convention.

“The American intelligence services have launched a rabid campaign using pressure and temptation against Iraqi diplomats and officials to try to push them to betray their country, but they have foiled these frantic attempts.”—AFP