Release plea as Hassan's agency closes down

The agency employing kidnapped Irish aid worker Margaret Hassan said today it had closed down all its operations in Iraq and pleaded for the release of the hostage.

In a short statement, CARE International said: “CARE has closed down all operations in Iraq. Please release Mrs Hassan to her family and friends in Iraq.”

The announcement came just under 24 hours after another videotape was broadcast on Arab TV network Al-Jazeera showing a frightened Mrs Hassan.

She demanded the release of all female prisoners in Iraq and for CARE to close its offices in the country.

Mrs Hassan said in the latest video: “Please don’t bring the soldiers to Baghdad. Please, on top of that, please release the women prisoners from prisons.”

The hostage, who wore a black T-shirt, spoke directly into the camera, blinking back tears.