Six Kiwis could stay in Iraq

Six New Zealanders could still be in Iraq when President Bush's 48-hour deadline expires.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said they were aware of up to 18 New Zealanders in Iraq, but most were expected to leave immediately.

The spokesman said that those remaining included up to three human shields who had volunteered to put themselves between Iraq and the weapons of the American-led coalition and three Iraqi-born New Zealanders who wished to remain in Baghdad.

The others included 12 who were working with the UN weapons inspectors, one with the UN food aid programme, and one who was part of a fact-finding mission by a Norwegian non-Government organisation.

Herald Feature: Iraq