Irish warned to leave Iraq and Kuwait

The Department of Foreign Affairs has told all Irish residents in Iraq and Kuwait to leave those countries immediately, following last night's threat of war by the United States against Iraq.

Ireland is the latest country to warn its citizens of travelling in the Middle East in the current climate of war.

The Department is advising Irish nationals against non-essential travel to Jordan, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Syria.

An official Government report advises the risk of terrorism in those nations remains high following the overnight statement of potential war issued by US President George W Bush.

Irish residents in Syria are being advised to register with the Irish Consulate in Damascus, with Jordan-based ex-patriates asked to contact the British Embassy in Amman.