Spanish diplomat quits over Iraq stance

The top Spanish diplomat in Baghdad has quit because he could not support his government’s pro-US stance on Iraq.

Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar has said Spain would endorse a US attack to remove Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, even without UN backing.

“The official position is so markedly pro-US that if you don’t support Washington’s policy, it is as if you are working against your own government,” Fernando Valderrama told the El Pais newspaper.

The 51-year-old had worked as Spanish charge d’affaires in Iraq since August 2000. But despite his comments, Foreign Minister Ana Palacio said Valderrama had resigned because of the hardships associated with the job.