US activists reach Baghdad

Two groups of American activists opposed to United Nations sanctions against Iraq have gone to Baghdad, among them the former United States attorney-general justice minister, Ramsey Clark.

The Americans -- from humanitarian and human rights organisations -- flew in aboard Jordanian aircraft.

A spokesman said they were bringing what they believe to be the first American consignment of relief aid since the Gulf War in 1991.

They say they want to confront President-elect George W Bush's declared aim of being tougher against Iraq than the outgoing administration.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service