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16/10/2012
Britain's Basra Consulate To Close
Britain’s full consulate in Iraq’s second city, Basra, will close, leaving just an office with no permanent staff, the government is expected to announce.
British business leaders with investments in the city have already condemned the decision.
But ministers will argue that increased staffing at the embassy in Baghdad will protect British interests in the oil-rich south of the country.
Diplomats and trade officials will fly down from Baghdad when needed and the embassy in the capital will be built up.
It is understood foreign secretary William Hague will say that this approach will be more effective and save a substantial amount of the £6.5m a year the current consulate costs.
However, some representatives of British business say Chinese and Korean entrepreneurs will now secure more of the major infrastructure projects in southern Iraq, arguing that Britain risks losing vital relationships with Iraqis, who often favour those who fought against Saddam Hussein rather than the Chinese, who opposed invasion.
(H)
British business leaders with investments in the city have already condemned the decision.
But ministers will argue that increased staffing at the embassy in Baghdad will protect British interests in the oil-rich south of the country.
Diplomats and trade officials will fly down from Baghdad when needed and the embassy in the capital will be built up.
It is understood foreign secretary William Hague will say that this approach will be more effective and save a substantial amount of the £6.5m a year the current consulate costs.
However, some representatives of British business say Chinese and Korean entrepreneurs will now secure more of the major infrastructure projects in southern Iraq, arguing that Britain risks losing vital relationships with Iraqis, who often favour those who fought against Saddam Hussein rather than the Chinese, who opposed invasion.
(H)
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British consulate staff moved from Basra
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03 April 2003
British consulate bombed in Turkey
It has been reported that British consulate in the Turkish capital, Istanbul, has been targeted in a bomb attack. Initial reports suggest that a bomb was hurled at the building at around 9.30pm (GMT) last night - at around the time of the final whistle in the England football victory over Turkey.
British consulate bombed in Turkey
It has been reported that British consulate in the Turkish capital, Istanbul, has been targeted in a bomb attack. Initial reports suggest that a bomb was hurled at the building at around 9.30pm (GMT) last night - at around the time of the final whistle in the England football victory over Turkey.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
