SA ponders on mission in Iraq

2005-10-04 20:16

Pretoria - South Africa was looking at opening a mission in Iraq, said deputy foreign affairs minister Aziz Pahad on Tuesday.

The matter arose during bilateral talks with his Iraqi counterpart, Talib Hamid Al-Bayati, in Pretoria.

South Africa had taken the decision in principle long ago, but would have to consider factors such as budgetary constraints and the security situation in Iraq, Pahad told reporters.

"We will be looking at sending an advance team to Iraq sooner rather than later," he said.

Pahad could not say by when the mission would be open "but we will put in motion the processes of opening the embassy".

South Africa has recognised Iraq's interim government and Iraq opened an embassy in Pretoria in June.

The two ministers also discussed prospects for closer economic co-operation.

- SAPA