ICRC News 15 / 15-Apr-98


** SHORT MENU....

SOMALIA
TEN RED CROSS / RED CRESCENT STAFF ABDUCTED
IN MOGADISHU

The ICRC has maintained round-the-clock contact with Somali elders in
Mogadishu who have been endeavouring to secure the release of the 10
people abducted on Wednesday 15 April as their Red Cross aircraft landed
in Mogadishu North.




** STORY IN FULL...

SOMALIA
 TEN RED CROSS / RED CRESCENT STAFF ABDUCTED
IN MOGADISHU

The ICRC has maintained round-the-clock contact with Somali elders in
Mogadishu who have been endeavouring to secure the release of the 10
people abducted on Wednesday 15 April as their Red Cross aircraft landed
in Mogadishu North.

The elders, the most respected figures in Somali society, have been in
touch with the abductors and have confirmed to the ICRC that they have
seen the 10 individuals (five ICRC expatriates, two delegates from the
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, one
staff member of the Somali Red Crescent Society and the two pilots of
the plane involved) and that they are in good health.

Given the gravity of the situation, the ICRC and the Federation have
decided to withdraw their remaining expatriates to the operational base
in Nairobi. One ICRC expatriate will stay with the Somali Red Crescent
Society in Mogadishu in order to maintain contacts with the elders.

The ICRC has also been in touch with Somali leaders in Nairobi, who are
presently on their way back to Somalia. All have assured the ICRC of
their commitment to an immediate and unconditional release of the
kidnapped aid workers.

Further information: Josue Anselmo, ICRC Nairobi, tel. ++2542 716 339
Michael Kleiner, ICRC Geneva, tel. ++41 22 730 2281


During the weekend of 
18- 19 April1998, for all information please call the press officer on
duty Suzanne Berger, on (mobile) 41 79 217 32 03