The Iraqi ambassador to Britain has said that the issue of establishing diplomatic ties with Israel will be discussed after general elections are held in Iraq early next year. Dr Salah Al Sheikhali told Israeli daily Ha'aretz in an exclusive interview in London that a strong and powerful pressure group, made up of businessmen and politicians, were working strenuously in Baghdad for the establishment of diplomatic ties with Israel. Asked if the pressure group is made up of Americans, Dr Al Sheikhali said the group is made up of Iraqi businessmen and senior officials in the interim government, adding that due to the current situation in Iraq, any attempt to establish diplomatic relations with Israel will be doomed to a big failure. Dr Al Sheikhali said he personally had no objection against the establishment of diplomatic ties with Israel or against visit to Iraq by Israeli nationals. But the Iraqi government is yet to approve an official stance on the issue, he added. He pointed out that currently conditions were not suitable to open such an issue.