Irish relatives plead for hostage

Margaret Hassan was kidnapped two weeks ago

Irish relatives of kidnapped aid worker Margaret Hassan have made an emotional plea for her release after meeting Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern.

Her sister, Deirdre Fitzsimons, said that Mrs Hassan was "a friend of Iraq".

She said that Mrs Hassan, who was kidnapped two weeks ago, had lived in Iraq for 30 years and had dedicated her life to helping its people.

Mr Ahern made a direct appeal to the kidnappers saying that their quarrel was not with the Irish people.

'No influence'

She said Mrs Hassan had no political associations and represented no-one but the vulnerable and the poor.

After the meeting in Dublin, Mrs Fitzsimons, who spoke on behalf of two other sisters and one brother, said that they had listened to the demands of the kidnappers.

She said that they had begged Tony Blair and the British Government to release the women prisoners and also not to move the troops.

"But we are Irish and have no influence on the British Government," she said.

Mrs Fitzsimons begged the kidnappers to let her sister go home to her husband.

'Safe release'

Also appealing to the kidnappers, Mr Ahern said: "Your quarrel is not with Margaret Hassan, nor is it with the Irish people who have been a firm friend of the Arab nation".

It is the second appeal Mr Ahern has made for her release on behalf of the Irish people and her Irish family.

The Irish and Palestinian Foreign Ministers have also made a joint plea for her safe release.

Mrs Hassan, 59, was born in Dublin and has family in Kenmare, County Kerry although her sisters Deirdre and Catherine Fitzsimons now live in London.

Since the care worker was snatched by gunmen she has been shown on videotapes pleading for Britain to withdraw troops from Iraq.

Mrs Hassan, who has British, Irish and Iraqi nationality, was seized on 19 October by unidentified kidnappers.