Arab states urge nationals leave Ukraine
ERBIL, KRG, Iraq (North Press) – Iraq, along with further 20 western, Arab and Asian states has urged their nationals to leave Ukraine amid tensions of anticipated Russian military action against Ukraine.
“Ensuring the safety and security of the Iraqi nationals present in Ukraine and under exceptional circumstances, the Ministry urges Iraqi nationals to leave Ukraine and bans the travel of other Iraqis to Ukraine for safety reasons,” the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
The Ministry called employees of the Iraqi Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, to exercise their right for the annual leave in a way that ensures the safety of the staff members.
Earlier, the United Arab of Emirates (UAE) also urged its citizens to abstain visiting Ukraine nowadays saying it urges the UAE citizens to delay travel for Ukraine and contact the embassy via an emergency phone number.
Kuwait, as well, has urged its nationals to leave Ukraine for their safety.
Multiple European and Asian countries have taken steps to evacuate some of their diplomats and their families out of Ukraine. They warned their citizens from travelling to Ukraine in the wake of continuous western warnings of Russia’s potential attack of Ukraine.
On Saturday, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia has decided to “optimize ” the numbers of its diplomatic staff at its embassy and three consulates in Ukraine, fearing “provocations” by Kyiv or other party.