Retired U.S. general Anthony Zinni will meet two Iraqi generals in Athens next Wednesday as part of EU attempts to avoid a war with Iraq, a major Greek Sunday newspaper reported.
To Vima, one of Greece's most authoritative newspapers, said in an early copy obtained by Reuters on Saturday that military officials from other Middle Eastern states, including Libya, would attend the meeting organized by Greek authorities.
"Next Wednesday in Athens Anthony Zinni, President George Bush's personal representative, will meet two Iraqi army generals from Baghdad in a rare meeting between the two countries," the newspaper said in its front-page story.
To Vima said the two Iraqi generals were close confidantes of President Saddam Hussein and were making the trip with his blessing.
"The critical meeting was organized in high secrecy by Greek Defense Minister Yannos Papandoniou in his role as the present head of EU defence and security matters," the newspaper added.
"Iraq immediately accepted the meeting when Papandoniou sent out the invitation," it said. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
