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New US embassy to open in Baghdad New US embassy to open in Baghdad
(about 1 hour later)
The new US embassy in Baghdad is due to be officially opened, with a dedication service led by Ambassador Ryan Crocker.The new US embassy in Baghdad is due to be officially opened, with a dedication service led by Ambassador Ryan Crocker.
Security will be tight at the ceremony for one of the biggest and most expensive embassies the US has ever built. Security will be tight at the ceremony in the Iraqi capital for one of the biggest and most expensive embassies the US has ever built.
On 1 January, the US officially handed over responsibility for security in the fortified Green Zone to Iraqi forces.On 1 January, the US officially handed over responsibility for security in the fortified Green Zone to Iraqi forces.
The US also gave back Saddam Hussein's palace there, which had been their headquarters in the city.The US also gave back Saddam Hussein's palace there, which had been their headquarters in the city.
The new complex, which will house a total of 4,000 staff, has been built with security very much in mind - so much so that camera crews will not be allowed to film the buildings at the opening ceremony. The new complex, which will house a total of 4,000 staff, has been built with security very much in mind, says the BBC's Caroline Wyatt in Baghdad - so much so that camera crews will not be allowed to film the buildings at the opening ceremony.
The new year has opened with bloodshed in Iraq. The worst attack so far, a suicide bombing on pilgrims gathering at one of the main Shia shrines in Baghdad, killed up to 40 people. 'Absolute priority'
The new year has opened with bloodshed in Iraq. The worst attack so far, a suicide bombing on pilgrims gathering at one of the main Shia shrines in Baghdad, killed up to 40 people. I am confident we will continue to manage this in a careful, organised fashion that has the Iraqis firmly in charge but in charge of a very firm security situation Ryan CrockerUS Ambassador to Iraq
On Sunday, Ambassador Crocker strongly condemned the suicide bombing near the Imam Moussa al-Kadhim shrine, as well as a suicide attack on 2 January - the second against a meeting of Sunni and Shia tribal leaders just south of the city.On Sunday, Ambassador Crocker strongly condemned the suicide bombing near the Imam Moussa al-Kadhim shrine, as well as a suicide attack on 2 January - the second against a meeting of Sunni and Shia tribal leaders just south of the city.
Mr Crocker said the recent attacks showed that despite great progress on security, al-Qaeda in Iraq remained a lethal and dangerous threat.Mr Crocker said the recent attacks showed that despite great progress on security, al-Qaeda in Iraq remained a lethal and dangerous threat.
However, he said he was confident about Iraqi forces' abilities, as they take over wider responsibility for security in the country.
"They are as determined as we are that this necessary transition does not open up any vulnerabilities and that is an absolute priority for both of us," said Mr Crocker.
"So I am confident we will continue to manage this in a careful, organised fashion that has the Iraqis firmly in charge but in charge of a very firm security situation."