Baku, Fineko/abc.az. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has warned the country’s citizens of the risks inherent in travel to Iraq.

According to MFA official statement, although rate of terrorist attacks on the Iraqi territory reduced, trips to this country are still dangerous.

“Nonbinding trips, especially to Baghdad, Mosul, and Kirkuk must be postponed,” the statement says.

Trips to such regions as Basra, Maysan, Al Anbar, Salah Ad Din, Vasit, Babil, Nineveh, Al Gadisiah, Mutanna, Najaf, Karbala, Di Gar are also considered dangerous.

The MFA emphasizes that clashes between security task forces of Iraq and different armed groups as well as attacks without distinction on all foreign citizens are observed daily. For instance, on 28 January 2010 gunmen opened fire at a bus that carried pilgrims and as a result one citizen of Azerbaijan died and two others injured.

The Ministry also indicates facts of kidnapping, hostage taking, and deaths of thousands of people following explosions in crowded places.

“We inform Azerbaijani citizens desiring to visit Iraq to take all that into account and be careful,” the statement says.

In case of encountering with the above-listed problems Azerbaijani citizens residing in Iraq temporarily or on the permanent basis are recommended to contact with the Azerbaijani Embassy in Jordan and register there.

10.03.2010 13:26