Downer was quoted by the Australian Associated Press as saying that in view of the government's decision that Australia will participate in a coalition military action against Iraq, "I have decided to expel all Iraqi staff of the Iraqi Embassy from Australia."

"They have been given five days to leave the country and will be required to depart no later than midnight on Sunday, March 23," he said.

The Australian government announced earlier the day that the country will take part in military actions against Iraq.

(Xinhua News Agency March 18, 2003)