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Friday, July 8, 2005
Egyptian envoy slain, al-Qaida says; it promises to target more officials
The Associated Press

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Al-Qaida's wing in Iraq said yesterday it killed Egypt's top envoy, who was abducted by gunmen last weekend. The Islamic terrorists warned they would go after "as many ambassadors as we can" to punish countries that support Iraq's U.S.-backed leadership. Iraq's chief government spokesman said the killing and yesterday's bombings in London show terrorism "is not only targeting Iraqis, but everyone."

An Egyptian official in Cairo said Egypt would temporarily close its mission in Baghdad and recalled its staff.

Iraq's president, meanwhile, called for a "war of annihilation" against foreign Islamic extremists as at least eight people were killed in violence yesterday.

The announcement from Iraq's most feared terror group appeared on an al-Qaida-linked Web site and featured a brief video showing the blindfolded diplomat, Ihab al-Sherif, wearing a polo shirt. The video did not show his death, but the statement promised more details later.

News of the killing marked a dramatic escalation in a campaign to discourage Arab and Muslim governments from sending ambassadors and strengthening ties with Iraq, as Washington wants.

Last month, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari announced that Egypt would be the first Arab country to upgrade diplomatic representation by appointing a full-fledged ambassador.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said Egypt will continue to support Iraq.