France restores relations with Iraq

France and Iraq have restored diplomatic relations that were severed 13 years ago during the Gulf War, the French Foreign Ministry said in Paris.

“The two governments are convinced this decision will contribute to closer ties between France and Iraq,” said the Foreign Ministry in a statement.

The two countries plan to exchange ambassadors “as soon as possible”.

Bernard Bajolet is now France’s highest diplomatic representative in Iraq, and has been in discussions with Iraqi officials about restoration of ties that Saddam Hussein broke off in 1991.

France opposed the US-led war that toppled Saddam last year and has turned down American requests for military help in quelling an insurgency that threatens the interim Iraqi government.

However, France has said it is willing to help train Iraqi security forces and also supports limited forgiveness of Iraqi debt to help the country regain its economic footing.