Secretary-General condemns brutal execution of Margaret Hassan in Iraq

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is shocked and deeply saddened by the brutal execution of Ms. Margaret Hassan, Head of the CARE International office in Iraq, who was taken hostage on 19 October.  Ms. Hassan, who had been an aid worker in Iraq for more than 25 years and had acquired Iraqi citizenship, devoted her life to helping the Iraqi people.  The Secretary-General condemns this abhorrent crime.

Under the direction of Ms. Hassan, CARE International had become a close partner of the United Nations, particularly of UNICEF, in alleviating the needs of the Iraqi people.  The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest possible terms the targeting of humanitarian aid workers and organizations and reiterates that such acts are indefensible.

The work of Ms. Hassan in Iraq will be remembered by all in Iraq and beyond as an example of human solidarity.  The Secretary-General expresses his deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and loved ones of Ms. Hassan.  He shares their grief and sorrow.

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