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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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Two explosions have occurred outside the British consulate building in New York. The blasts took place around 03:35 local time (08:35 BST), shattering windows in the Third Avenue building, which also contains other offices. However, no injuries were reported as a result of the explosions.
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 WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
