Worlds Largest Embassy Opens In Iraq

U.S. Inaugurates Massive New Embassy

The United States dedicated its new embassy in Baghdad on Monday, a fortress-like compound that is the largest embassy ever built by the superpower. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker said the $700-million embassy is evidence of America's long-term friendship with Iraq. "From this embassy in the years to come, we look forward to building our partnership and contributing to the future," Crocker said. During the ceremony, U.S. marines raised the American flag over the adobe-coloured building located in the heart of the Green Zone, a walled-off section of the city under heavy security. Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte were among about 1,000 guests in attendance.