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Leading UK charity `silenced` on criticising Iraq occupation

IRNA

London, Nov 28, IRNA -- One of Britain`s leading charities has been 
ordered to end criticism of military action in Iraq by its powerful US
wing, a UK daily reported Friday. 
Save the Children UK has been warned about future statements 
blaming the war for the plight of the Iraqi people, according to 
e-mails from senior figures at Save the Children US unearthed by the 
Guardian newspaper. 
The implicit threats of withdrawing financial support from 
Washington and corporate donors come after Save the Children UK 
accused coalition forces of breaching the Geneva convention by 
blocking humanitarian aid. 
The uncovered documents were said to expose tensions within the 
worldwide charity that describes itself as "the world`s largest 
independent global organisation for children" but which is heavily 
reliant on governments and big businesses for cash. 
Save the Children UK, which had an income of Pnds 122 million in 
2002-03, boasts the British monarch as its patron and her daughter, 
Princess Anne as president, as well as a whole list of dignitaries and
celebrities as supporters. 
The Guardian reported that the row goes back to April when the 
charity issued a statement in April criticising the lack of 
cooperation from the occupying forces and going back on an agreement 
to allow a relief plane, with emergency supplies, to land in northern 
Iraq. 
HC/210 
End