Nov. 16, 2004

The Foreign Minister of Ireland, Dermot Ahern, issued the following statement in Dublin today condemning the reported killing of Irish-born Margaret Hassan: 

Minister Ahern said, 

"I am deeply shocked by the reports of Margaret Hassan's murder and, if these are accurate, I want to condemn in the strongest possible terms this appalling and senseless act. I offer my deepest sympathies to Margaret's husband and her family. 

Two weeks ago, together with the Taoiseach, I met with Margaret's sisters and brother and I was enormously impressed by their dignity and fortitude during this terrible ordeal. I know that the thoughts and prayers of all the people of Ireland are with them at this tragic time. 

Margaret's family have been deprived of a deeply beloved wife and sister and the people of Iraq have lost a great friend who devoted her life to humanitarian work on behalf of the sick and the poor in her adopted country. Care International, for whom she worked in Iraq, have lost one of their most effective and admired colleagues.

I call for an immediate response to the appeal by Margaret's husband for confirmation of what has happened. No cause or belief can justify the kidnapping and cruel murder of an innocent person. There must be an immediate end to the inhumane practice of seizing and killing hostages in Iraq. 

I will be conveying personally the Government's deep shock and sadness to Margaret's husband and her family."

For more information, contact the Consulate General of Ireland, 345 Park Ave., New York, N.Y, 10154-0037, 212-319 2563.