UN Workers Urge Annan To Pull UN Staff From Iraq

Kofi Annan (file photo) 7 October 2004 -- United Nations workers are calling on Secretary-General Kofi Annan to pull all UN staff out of Iraq.

Two groups representing more than 60,000 UN staff members cited a dramatic escalation in attacks in Iraq. In a joint letter, the staff organizations said the UN regrettably "has become a direct target."

Annan pulled out UN staff from Iraq last year after two bombings on UN headquarters in Baghdad. In August, Annan allowed back a small UN contingent.

UN spokesman Fred Eckhard said the UN would take note of the letter, but any decision would be based on advice from the UN security adviser.

(AP)