Several American diplomats leave Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Israel

The US Department of State has announced it has permitted certain American diplomats in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Israel to leave their work positions while the US is preparing for war against Iraq.

In the course of the series of "travel warnings" the department also urged the American citizens to consider the issue of leaving the four said countries, noting the "increase in security fears" in these countries.

The US Department of State stressed that the decision of proposed free-of-charge travels for the USA for the families of non essential workers and employees, does not mean that a war with Iraq is inevitable on nearby.