BAGHDAD, March 17 (Xinhuanet) -- US ambassador to Iraq John Negroponte left Baghdad Thursday morning for Washington to take his new post as US national intelligence director, said the US embassy.   "Ambassador John D. Negroponte has departed Iraq to return to the United States. Charge d' Affaires James F. Jeffrey has assumed his duties," the embassy said in a statement.

    Negroponte had served as ambassador to Iraq since June 30, 2004,after the handover of sovereignty to Iraq's government.   His replacement has not been announced.  Enditem