HEAD OF UN GENEVA OFFICE EXPRESSES SORROW, OUTRAGE AT LOSS OF COLLEAGUES IN ATTACK ON UN BAGHDAD HEADQUARTERS

HEAD OF UN GENEVA OFFICE EXPRESSES SORROW, OUTRAGE AT LOSS

OF COLLEAGUES IN ATTACK ON UN BAGHDAD HEADQUARTERS

Pays Tribute to Sergio Vieira de Mello for his Dedication to Cause of Peace

(Reissued as received.)

GENEVA, 20 August (UN Information Service) -- Following is a statement issued yesterday by Sergei Ordzhonikidze, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, following the attack on United Nations headquarters in Baghdad yesterday:

I would like to express my profound sorrow and outrage at the loss of our colleagues yesterday in Baghdad.  I condemn this criminal attack on the United Nations and the entire international community.  The perpetrators of this terrorist act should be brought to justice.  Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of those killed and injured in the service of peace.

I also mourn the loss of my dear friend and colleague Sergio Vieira de Mello.  He was an outstanding and charismatic diplomat.  His unique style of gentle persuasion was instrumental in his successes in some of the world’s most complex conflicts.  I pay tribute to his commitment and dedication to the cause of peace.

As a member of the United Nations family in Geneva, Sergio’s presence will be deeply missed here.

This tragedy has struck at the heart of the Organization.  But it will not break the will of the international community or undermine the vital role of the United Nations in Iraq.  It will only double our determination to continue assisting the Iraqi people restore peace and stability to their country.

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