The Russian ambassador to the United States, Yuli Vorontsov, has flown back to Washington, following his recall to Moscow last week in protest at American air strikes against Iraq.

The ambassador, speaking before his departure, said relations between Russia and the United States remained normal, but that his return did not mean Russia had retracted its criticism of American military action.

Britain has said that Russia's ambassador to London, who was also recalled, is due to return by the end of the week.