NOUAKCHOTT, Aug 17, 2009 (AFP) - The Peace Corps, a US government programme for aid volunteers, has withdrawn its workers from Mauritania because of security fears after recent attacks.

The Peace Corps, which has operated in Mauritania for more than 40 years, said in a statement that it had moved its volunteer workers to nearby Senegal. The statement did not say how many people were involved but the Peace Corps Internet site said there were 141 volunteers in Mauritania, mainly in rural areas.

"The Peace Corps has suspended its volunteer programme in Mauritania due to safety and security concerns," the agency said in an August 12 dated statement.

"Although it is the agency's position that the Volunteers are relatively safe in their communities and villages, it is potentially dangerous for them to travel safely in the country," said the statement.

An American was shot dead in the Mauritanian capital on June 23 in an attack claimed by an Al-Qaeda affiliate group. On August 8, a suicide bomber killed himself setting off a bomb aimed at two French gendarmes from the French embassy in the city.

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Received by NewsEdge Insight: 08/17/2009 07:05:05