Red Notice restricts Iraqi VP's travel

LYON, France, May 8 (UPI) -- The Red Notice issued by Interpol against the Iraqi vice president will severely restrict his ability to cross international borders, the police agency said.

Interpol issued a Red Notice for Iraqi Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi at the request of the Iraq government. He's the subject of an arrest warrant issued by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on charges of "guiding and financing terrorist attacks in the country," Interpol said in a statement.

Interpol Secretary-General Ronald Noble said the Red Notice would restrict Hashemi's ability to travel.

Baghdad issued the arrest warrant shortly after U.S. combat forces pulled out of Iraq in December. He left the country shortly afterward and eventually settled in Ankara, Turkey.

Hashemi claimed Iraqi security forces tortured his bodyguards into making false confessions. A member of his security team allegedly died from torture while in custody. His trial was supposed to start last week, though his defense team secured a delay by requesting a special court hear the case.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted by The New York Times as saying Ankara was supporting the vice president while he was a guest in his country.

"We have provided, are providing and will provide any support in our capacity on that matter," he said.

A Red Notice isn't an arrest warrant and places no specific demands on Ankara.