Dissidents take over Iraqi Embassy in Berlin
A dissident group, calling for the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, today occupied the Iraqi Embassy in Berlin.
Police moved in force to the embassy and sealed off the street around it.
"We are taking over the Iraqi Embassy in Berlin and thereby take the first step toward the liberation of our beloved fatherland," the group calling itself the Democratic Iraqi Opposition of Germany said in a statement.
"Our action is peaceful and limited in time," said the statement. "Our path is the liberation of Baghdad."
In London, a spokesman for the Iraqi National Congress said the group had no knowledge of the embassy incident.
He believed the Iraqi Democratic Opposition of Germany was a new group, founded several months ago. He was not familiar with its members.
Berlin police said they were investigating a suspected hostage taking at the embassy, but had no immediate details.
The street around the embassy, located in the leafy suburb of Zehlendorf, was sealed off by dozens of police, some wearing bulletproof vests.
Police went to the scene following an emergency call from local residents, a spokesman said.
The Iraqi opposition spokesman in London said the Iraqi opposition "has never resorted to any violent action outside the country against the regime".
