wfn.org | Thousands Urge Albright to Save Iraqi Children

[George Conklin <gconklin@igc.apc.org>]

Mustafa Malik
Director of Media Relations
American Friends Service Committee
PH: 215/241-7060
FAX: 215/241-7275
E-MAIL: mmalik@afsc.org
http://www.afsc.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	        
December 18, 1997			        

Thousands Urge Albright to Save Iraqi Children

PHILADELPHIA – A little malnourished girl with hopeful black eyes gazes at
you from one side of the postcard.  On the other side, three short, moving
paragraphs depict Iraq’s agony under the seven-year-old trade embargo.
About 6,000 of these cards have been mailed to Madeleine K. Albright during
a nationwide campaign organized by the American Friends Service Committee
(AFSC).

"Iraq has suffered enough," the secretary of state is told.  "... It is the
children of Iraq who are most affected by the ongoing sanctions."

More than 4,500 children are dying each month from malnutrition and
diseases caused by these sanctions, which so far have killed a half-million
Iraqis, according to UNICEF.

The AFSC’s monthlong "Solidarity With the Iraqi People" campaign, which
ended Monday,  has "touched a deep chord among many Americans," says Kathy
Bergen, national coordinator for the Quaker organization’s Middle East
peace education program.

"Hundreds of them have sent us layettes and other supplies for Iraqi
children," Bergen added.  "Packages are still coming in.  Others have sent
us messages expressing concern over the horrible situation in Iraq.  And,
of course, thousands have used the postcard to write to Albright."

In addition, the AFSC is urging people to write to President Clinton and
U.N. Secretary General Kofi Anan calling for the lifting of all
non-military sanctions  against Iraq to allow the Iraqis to rebuild their
economy.

--30—

The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization which
includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice,
peace and humanitarian service.  Its work is based on the Quaker belief in
the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome
violence and injustice.