(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-10-03 16:54

BAGHDAD - The Polish ambassador to Iraq was slightly wounded Wednesday and one civilian was killed in a car bomb attack in downtown Baghdad, according to the Polish Foreign Ministry.

Polish soldiers march in their camp in Diwaniya, 180 km (112 miles) south of Baghdad, July 25, 2007. [Reuters]

Gen. Edward Pietrzyk was taken to a US military hospital, Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman Robert Szaniawski said, adding the ambassador was moving on his own, which meant his injuries were most likely not life-threatening.

A civilian passer-by died after the parked car bomb was detonated about 10 am, according to an Iraqi police official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to release the information.

Four people, including a security guard with the convoy, also were wounded in the attack in the Karradah neighborhood, police said.

US Army and Iraqi troops sealed off al-Arasaat street where the attack took place, as US helicopters flew overhead.

Pietrzyk, who was formerly commander of land forces in Poland, was appointed ambassador to Iraq in April, Szaniawski said.

Poland, a staunch US ally, contributed combat troops to the 2003 US-led war in Iraq, and has since led a multinational division south Baghdad. About 900 Polish troops are currently stationed there training Iraqi personnel.

Last year, the Polish government extended its mission in Iraq until the end of 2007, leaving a decision on further extensions for later this year.