Hurd firm on Iraq action

LONDON - The Government said yesterday its policy on Iraq would be unaffected by Baghdad's jailing of a Briton for a border violation, Reuter reports. The Foreign Secretary, Douglas Hurd, said he would apply 'all possible kinds of pressure and persuasion' on President Saddam Hussein to secure the release of Paul Ride, who was sentenced on Thursday to seven years in prison.

BAGHDAD - Iraq offered yesterday to take politicians from member states of the UN Security Council to inspect the southern marshes. A senior official of the ruling Baath Party said the visits would disprove Western reports about the attacks on Shias taking refuge there.