Statement by Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja regarding the bomb attack in Baghdad

Press release 183/2003 20 August, 2003

Yesterday’s cruel act of terror in Baghdad is fully condemnable. An act such as this only delays the stabilisation and full sovereignty of Iraq, and is thus against the interests of the people of Iraq.

I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed in the bomb attack against the UN headquarters in Baghdad. I have today also forwarded my condolences directly to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

We have been particularly shocked by the news of the death of Sergio Vieira de Mello, UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Iraq. De Mello was known as a very capable and experienced mediator whose contribution in managing international crises and promoting human rights would have been in demand in future as well.

It is important that despite this event the UN will continue and will strengthen its vital role in Iraq’s humanitarian assistance and reconstruction. With this challenging and difficult task, the UN will need the full support of the people of Iraq and the various regional and international actors.