Iran Press/Middle East: The US consulate in Erbil had previously named its consulate in Iraq as the sole source of consular affairs in Iraq, while today in a formal statement, announced a complete cessation of consular activities for five days.
A statement from the US Embassy in Baghdad said that due to the growing crisis in the region and the need to be vigilant, all consular services and passports at the US consulate in Erbil will be canceled from March 15-19.
The US embassy in Baghdad emphasized the ongoing closure of the consulate and has urged its citizens to avoid commute in Iraq as far as possible and to comply with all security considerations if necessary.
The embassy has suspended its operations in Baghdad since January 1, under the pretext of insecurity.
A statement from the US embassy urged nationals to pursue their consular activities by email only.
It is the first time since the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in March 2003 that the United States has reduced or stopped the level of consular activity in Iraq. 101/207/201
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