Paris-Based Aid Agency Pulling Out Of Iraq

PARIS - "Action Against Hunger, a Paris-based humanitarian organization, announced Wednesday that it has suspended operations in Iraq because of the deteriorating security situation.

The organization has operated in Iraq for 18 months, delivering drinking water mainly to the suburbs of Baghdad, the southern province of Missan and the Diyala province, north of the capital.

"Like many organizations, Action Against Hunger is obligated today to leave a country that is dying, principally because of permanent insecurity," the group said in a statement released Wednesday.

The announcement comes a week after CARE International suspended operations in Iraq following the kidnapping of Margaret Hassan, who ran the humanitarian organization's work in the country."

EDIT

http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/world/10027621.htm

Action contre la Faim (French group,French name)said it was withdrawing its staff from Iraq due to security concerns, adding that aid activities by U.S.-led forces made it hard for charities to appear impartial.

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=6628503