Moscow, March 11: Russia has evacuated all its nationals apart from 51 diplomats and 27 specialists from Iraq, Itar-Tass quoted diplomatic sources as saying today. Russia flew some 320 Russians and 245 citizens of other former Soviet Republics out of the country last week amid fears that the United States would soon launch a war against Iraq.

The previous week Russia evacuated dependents of its diplomatic staff in Baghdad and family members of Russian companies operating in the country.

In the event of war, the evacuation of the remaining Russian citizens from Baghdad will take place overland via Iran, the Russian emergencies ministry told the news agency.
Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov and his Iranian counterpart Kamal Kharazi reached an understanding to that effect at talks in Tehran today, Itar-Tass reported.
Bureau Report