Hours earlier, Aldouri had said that since no replacement for his position at the United Nations had yet been named he was still Iraq's legal representative to the world body.

Speaking to CNN late Friday, Aldouri said he was returning to the region primarily to search for news of his family.

"I am going to the region; I have no information for my family from the beginning of the war. I am seeking any kind of information about my family, this is the most important reason why I am leaving the United States.

Aldouri, who as Saddam Hussein's representative to the United Nations had been a thorn in the side of the United States, said he hoped to return to the United States under happier circumstances.

"Hopefully I can return to United States with another better times, better conditions, and better friendship between Iraqi people and the people of United States.

"I hope that our future will be better for the interests of United States and Iraq," said Aldouri.

"I am hopeful and very confident for the future," he said.

Aldouri also said: "I hope that the US army will leave Iraq soon and that we will have free elections for a free government for a free future for Iraq and the people for Iraq, this is my message to you to people of United States."

Asked how he felt about images of Saddam being torn down, Aldouri replied: "He is no more in the government so we are looking for the future."

He said what position he holds in the future "is not important" but added: "I hope that I will return back within better atmosphere and better conditions, with better, friendlier relationship between Iraq and United States.

"I hope that peace will prevail very, very soon, we need peace, we don't need war."

Dashing from his residence to a vehicle waiting to take him to John F. Kennedy airport, the previously bellicose diplomat thanked the CNN correspondent interviewing him and apologized for having been "very tough."

"I would like to thank also the people of New York and the people of United States, they are very decent people," he added.

In an interview with AFP at UN headquarters earlier Friday, Aldouri had announced his planned departure from New York, without specifying exactly where he was heading.

"I am leaving for the Middle East. It's scheduled for today, but that could change," the ambassador said, speaking in French.

"I am still the legal representative of Iraq," added Aldouri, who represented Iraq at the UN since February 2001.

"Now, we are under occupation. There will be a change of regime in Iraq, and someone else will be appointed. It's normal. That's the way it goes," he said.

SPACE.WIRE