U.S. special envoy baker to discuss Iraqi debts in Europe

Former U.S. Secretary of State James Baker whom President George Bush appointed U.S. special envoy in talks on Iraq's foreign debt is leaving for Europe on Monday.

Mr. Baker will begin his tour in France, and is expected to meet with Jacques Chirac in Paris on Tuesday. Then he will visit Moscow, London, Rome and Berlin.

Last Thursday Mr. Bush told journalists in the White House that he had asked the leaders of Russia, France and Germany to personally meet with Mr. Baker to discuss rescheduling Iraq's debt.

Mr. Bush said that if these countries want to help Iraq become a peaceful and free country, rescheduling its debt is a way that they can make a contribution.