Iraq's embassy in China is back in operation, after two months in limbo due to the Iraq War, its new Charge d'affaires Talal Al-Khudairi told China Daily Tuesday.

"Now we are working hard to enhance our contacts and relations with our friends and further improve ties with China," he said.

The Charge d'affaires confirmed that Muwafak Al-Ani - appointed ambassador by ousted president Saddam Hussein in January - has left Beijing.

"Yes, he left Beijing and I think he has left China," he said.

The former ambassador who was recalled by Iraq's post-war administration in June reportedly left the embassy voluntarily on July 31 when the new embassy staff entered the Iraqi complex in Beijing's diplomatic area.

There are five Iraqi diplomats altogether in Beijing but still no officially appointed ambassador to China, according to Al-Khudairi.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry, which cut official contact with the old embassy in June, could not be reached yesterday for comment.

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