Iraqi orphan Ali's courage recognised with medal

LONDON (AFP) Dec 10, 2003
Iraqi orphan Ali Ismail Abbas who lost both arms in a US missile attack during the war to oust Saddam Hussein on Wednesday had his courage through the ordeal and loss formally recognised.

The 13-year-old has been awarded an international medal under a scheme run by a British association over the last 30 years to recognise the outstanding behaviour of children.

"I am delighted to be receiving my Woman's Own Children of Courage Award today at Westminster Abbey, it's a great honour," said the teenager.

Ali, who became a symbol of the Iraqi people's suffering during the war, has been fitted with two artificial arms and is now living in London. Sixteen members of his family were killed in the bombing.

He has both arms amputated after suffering severe burning.

He said on British television in October that he would eventually like to return to his native country.

WAR.WIRE