Answer to taken question from Nov. 4 daily State Dept. briefing

Following is the text of a question taken at the November 4 regular State Department briefing; an answer was posted later in the day:

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US DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
November 4, 2003

Taken Question from November 4, 2003 Daily Press Briefing

SPANISH DIPLOMATIC DRAWDOWN IN BAGHDAD

Q: What is your reaction to the Spanish embassy drawdown in Baghdad?

A: Spanish Foreign Minister Ana Palacio announced that the Spanish diplomatic representation in Baghdad had been temporarily reduced to "four or five people."

-- The staff not remaining in Baghdad has already relocated to Jordan.

-- We understand that the Spaniards' decision reflects their assessment of the security situation. We look forward to them returning to full strength and full operations.

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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)