International Inspectors Not Ordered to Leave Iraq Yet

The UN international inspectors working in Iraq have not yet been ordered to end their activities and leave Baghdad, their representative Hiro Ueki told journalists in Baghdad on Monday.

Earlier, IAEA Director General, one of the leaders of international inspectors Mohammed el-Baradei announced that Washington had recommended the UN to withdraw international inspectors from Iraq.

He immediately informed UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and the chairman of the Security Council about the recommendation, he said. Washington's recommendation was received "late at night the day before", el-Baradei pointed out.

On Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry advised Russian citizens to leave Iraq and to refrain from visits to the country.