U.S. pushing Athens for increased security at Olympics

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Thursday, April 29, 2004

SECURITY FIRMS SUSPEND OPERATIONS IN IRAQ BAGHDAD [MENL] -- Western security firms have suspended virtually all operations in Iraq because of the heightened insurgency. Executives said almost all of the military and security contractors, including leading firms, have refused to continue protection for projects in Iraq. They said the contractors have told the Coalition Provisional Authority that they don't have the heavy weapons, intelligence and manpower to battle Shi'ite and Sunni insurgents. So far, nearly 50 foreign civilians have been abducted in April and 10 others have been killed. Several coalition partners, including Poland, Spain and Ukraine have either ordered a pullout from Iraq or are reducing their presence. "Everything is at a standstill," a senior executive for a Western security contractor said. The refusal of security contractors to operate has resulted in a halt in the supply of raw material to Iraq. In addition, vital projects such as the upgrading of Iraq's electricity grid as well as water and sewer projects have been suspended. On Tuesday, more than 60 Shi'ite insurgents were killed in heavy fighting with U.S. troops outside Najaf. The insurgents were said to have been part of the Mahdi Army loyal to Iranian-backed cleric Moqtada Al Sadr. So far, two of the largest contractors in Iraq have suspended operations. The U.S.-origin General Electric and the German Siemens have halted work on major reconstruction programs. Siemens was contracted to renew operations at the Dauri power station. Industry sources said about 75 percent of all CPA projects have stopped completely. The rest have continued largely on the administrative level. Some military and security contractors have offered to help coalition troops support combat operations. The U.S. firm Blackwater USA helped evacuate besieged coalition troops in Najaf. Blackwater flew three of its S-70 Black Hawk to rescue four U.S. marines, three Salvadoran soldiers and eight company employees.


Copyright © 2004 East West Services, Inc.

Print this Article Print this Article Email this article Email this article Subscribe to this Feature Free Headline Alerts


Google
Search Worldwide Web Search WorldTribune.com Search WorldTrib Archives