Polish ambassador injured in car bomb

The Polish ambassador to Iraq was slightly wounded and one civilian was killed in a car bomb attack in Baghdad today.

General Edward Pietrzyk was taken to a US military hospital, Polish foreign ministry spokesman Robert Szaniawski said, adding the ambassador was moving on his own, which meant his injuries were unlikely to be life-threatening.

A civilian passer-by died after the parked car bomb was detonated about 10am, according to an Iraqi police official.

Four people, including a security guard with the convoy, also were wounded in the attack in Karradah in Baghdad, police said.

US army and Iraqi troops sealed off al-Arasaat street where the attack took place, as US helicopters flew overhead. AP Television News footage showed the wreckage of at least one mangled car.

Pietrzyk was commander of Polish troops in Iraq until 2004 when he was appointed ambassador, Szaniawski said.

Poland, a staunch US ally, contributed combat troops to the 2003 US-led war in Iraq, and has since led a multinational division in south Baghdad. About 900 Polish troops are currently stationed there training Iraqi personnel.

Last year, the Polish government extended its mission in Iraq until the end of 2007, leaving a decision on further extensions for later this year.