International charity CARE closes Iraq operations

AMMAN, Oct 28 (AFP) - The international charity CARE has shut down its operations in Iraq following the abduction last week of its director there, Briton Margaret Hassan, spokesman Arnoud Hekkens said in Jordan Thursday.
"We have decided to halt all our activities in Iraq," said Hekkens who rushed to Jordan following the abduction of Hassan on October 19.
The decision was taken a day after Al-Jazeera aired a video showing Hassan pleading for the withdrawal of British troops from Iraq and the release of Iraqi women prisoners, in exchange for her life.
A week ago, CARE Australia, which runs the Iraq operation, announced it was suspending activities in the country following Hassan's kidnapping, but said it was not withdrawing its staff, who are all Iraqis.
Hekkens said the 60 Iraqi staff would no longer be going to work following Thursday's decision.

10/28/2004 16:37 GMT - AFP