Iraq says Saudi Arabia names first envoy since 1990

BAGHDAD, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia has named an

ambassador to Iraq to re-establish full diplomatic ties for the

first time since Saddam Hussein invaded neighbouring Kuwait,

Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari said on Tuesday.

"For the first time since 1990, the Saudis have named an

ambassador to Iraq," Zebari said.

The announcement came as the Middle East faces a deepening

split between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslim powers over the crisis in

Syria and Western pressure on Iran.

(Reporting by Patrick Markey; Editing by Michael Roddy)