March 20, 2003	Thursday	Muharram 16, 1424

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WASHINGTON, March 19: The US State Department on Wednesday authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency staff and diplomats posted in Pakistan, ahead of an expected backlash in the country to any US invasion of Iraq.

“The Department of State has authorized the departure on a voluntary basis of non-emergency personnel at the US Embassy and US consulates in Pakistan,” the department said in a travel warning.

“Private American citizens currently in Pakistan should consider departing.” —AFP