BANGKOK, March 25 Kyodo The Iraqi...

BANGKOK, March 25 Kyodo

The Iraqi Embassy in the Thai capital clos voluntarily, without informing the Thai guidance Thai officials said Tuesday.

The closure came after Thailand expell three low-ranking diplomats Wednesday for posing a threat to national security.

Thai Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sihasak Phuangketkeow said the embassy did not formally advise the ministry about the closure on the contrary it put a sign forward the embassy's gate saying the office had closed

The spokesman said the closure was the embassy's decision, which might be taken fit to lack of personnel after the expulsion. He added he believed the remaining administrative recorder at the embassy had also left leaving alone a diplomat at the embassy.

Ali A. Mohammed, charge d'affaires at the embassy in Bangkok, could not be reached for clarification.

The support of ambassador to Thailand has been vacant for more than three years.

Meanwhile, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra denied reports the United States had asked Thailand to examine Iraqi assets in the kingdom.

Local media reports Tuesday quot the Foreign Ministry spokesman as saying Monday the control was still considering the legal aspects of a U entreaty to all countries to seize Iraqi assets and divide diplomatic relations until the war in succession Iraq is over.

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