Vatche Arslanian

From the news reports:

The ICRC and its staff are deeply distressed by the loss of their friend and colleague. The International Committee extends its heartfelt sympathy to Mr Arslanian's family.

Balthasar Staehelin, the ICRC's Delegate-General for the Middle East and North Africa, said "the courageous decision by six ICRC expatriates to stay in Baghdad voluntarily during the worst of the fighting made a marked difference to the lives of thousands of people. Mr Arslanian was one of those six and we can find some solace in knowing that he helped to make that difference".

The ICRC team in Baghdad will hold a day of mourning on Thursday 10 April.

REU 09 Apr 2003

SUZANNE CHAREST: I mean, Vatche had been there since July 2001, and as the head of the logistical operation he really ensured that a lot of medicines and clean water; in one day alone they distributed 22,000 one litre bags of clean water to seven major hospitals in Baghdad. So if somebody like Vatche hadn't been there for the last three weeks, many civilians in Baghdad and the outlying region would have not had assistance. But, you know, I knew him personally, and just knew how dedicated he was to working 14, 16, 18 hour days.

ABC[AU] 10 Apr 2003