Iraq Closes Border With Syria, Declares Emergency Law

(RFE/RL) 7 December 2005 -- The Iraqi government imposed emergency legislation in two predominantly Sunni Muslim provinces for the 30 days and closed the borders with Syria until further notice.

A government statement issued today says the laws took effect on 2 December in the western Anbar Province and the northern Ninevah Province. Among the restrictions were a curfew and a ban on carrying weapons within five kilometers of the Syrian border.

The statement, issued by Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Ja'fari, who is also the commander of the armed forces, said the border with Syria will be closed "until further notice" except for commercial vehicles "licensed by the Iraqi government."

(AP)