Security Woes May Prevent Iraq PM Visit to EU

[Khephra]

Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi is unlikely to go through with a visit to European Union headquarters next week because of the worsening security situation in his country, diplomats said Thursday.

Allawi had accepted an invitation to meet EU foreign ministers next Monday to discuss how the 25-nation bloc can contribute to Iraq's reconstruction following the formal end of the U.S.-led occupation.

``We're getting indications that the trip is unlikely to take place, but nothing has been confirmed,'' a senior EU diplomat said.

A NATO official said he could not firmly confirm or deny anything, but added: ``My understanding for the moment is that he (Allawi) is not coming at all.''

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/international/international-iraq-eu.html