IRAQ-UAE: US Embassy expresses confidence in government’s ability for

By IPS Correspondents Reprint | | Print |

Att.Editors: The following item is by the United Arab Emirates news agency (WAM)

ABU DHABI, Mar 11 2003 (IPS) - US Ambassador Mrecelle Wahba today expressed her full confidence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government’s ability to protect US citizens, property, and diplomatic facilities throughout the country.

Responding to a US State Department’s statement authorizing the voluntary departure of family members and non-emergency personnel at the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai, Wahba said that the Embassy was not planning to reduce its diplomatic or consular staff or curtail services at the time.

"We have full confidence in the UAE government’s ability to protect US citizens, property, and diplomatic facilities throughout the country," she said, affirming that the Embassy has received every assurance that all necessary measures would be taken to protect both US citizens and diplomatic facilities and personnel.

She described the UAE’s support and cooperation as "more than outstanding." Wahba said "the decision has been taken as a result of our overall assessment of the security situation in the region at this time, and represents a prudent measure as we prepare for various contingencies in the region should military action against Iraq become necessary."

Asserting that the Embassy was not planning any reduction of staff or curtailing of services, Wahba said "We are not planning to reduce our diplomatic or consular staff or curtail services at this time. The Embassy and Consulate will remain open for business and will continue to provide the full range of services to US citizens and the general public.

"What we are doing, at this time of increased tensions in the region, is giving the Mission’s family members the option to return to the US We advise every American to evaluate his/her situation and make the decision which he/she feels is appropriate in the circumstances," she concluded.