Samira Pratt, wife of aid worker Steve Pratt, gave birth this morning to a baby girl named Yasmina.
She weighs 3.59 kilos. Yasmina was born this morning at 5.20am. Samira went into labour last night at around 10.30pm. Mother and daughter are doing well. Steve Pratt was on the phone to Samira as the birth came on.
Update on Steve and Peter The British psychologist assisting Australian aid workers Steve Pratt and Peter Wallace says the men may be finished their counselling by the end of this week.
Dr Gordon Turnbull, a professional trauma counsellor, renown for his work with Lebanon hostages Terry Waite and John McCarthy, described Steve and Peter as "smashing fellows" and said their progress was slow but improving.
"In no way is this psychotherapy because a psychotherapist sets out to establish a change in the behaviour of those who are not happy with the way they live their lives. But Steve and Peter were very happy with their lives and fully functional in all respects.
These are two resilient, resourceful individuals who’ve been dented by this extraordinary and unprecedented event," Dr Turnbull said.
"So what we’re trying to do is help restore not change their behaviour in order to regain control of their lives and that sense of dignity and poise." "We have some tasks ahead.
These include simple practical tasks as part of the de-brief. So far this has meant shopping for clothes, shirts, shoes and trousers, being out and about, being recognised and congratulated in the street, making and receiving telephone calls, reestablishing links with old friends, enjoying the fresh air and good food of the English countryside and the odd pint down the pub," he said.
"The men are in control at all times. We are encouraging Steve and Peter to develop a full understanding of what has happened to them during this extraordinary time.
After counselling they will be in a much better position to set the record straight."
CARE will assist both men to return to Australia once they and Dr Turnbull have determined it is the appropriate time for them to travel. Meanwhile, efforts to secure the release of Branko Jelen are continuing.
Malcolm Fraser will return to Belgrade later this week to lead the efforts. Mr Fraser, and a delegation of Australian Serb leaders, will also discuss humanitarian needs in the country with Yugoslavian officials.
