Iraq, Kuwait Restore Diplomatic Ties

2 August 2004 -- Iraq and Kuwait restored diplomatic relations today, 14 years after Iraqi President Saddam Hussein sent his troops to occupy the small Gulf emirate.
A joint statement issued after a visit by Iraq's interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said the two sides agreed to resume full diplomatic relations.

Kuwait was Allawi's last stop on a regional tour.

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad al-Sabah said ambassadors will be appointed after due formalities are carried out.

The Iraqi occupation ended when a U.S.-led coalition forced Iraqi troops out of Kuwait in February 1991. Kuwait later served as the main launch pad for last year's U.S.-led war on Iraq that ousted Saddam's regime.

(AFP)