SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS ASSASSINATION BID ON IRAQ COUNCIL MEMBER

SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS ASSASSINATION BID ON IRAQ COUNCIL MEMBER

The Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan issued the following statement on Saturday, 20 September 2003:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns today’s assassination attempt on

Dr. Akila al-Hashimi, a member of the Iraqi Governing Council.  The Secretary-General reiterates that the early establishment of a broad-based and representative government in Iraq, to which sovereignty can be transferred, requires an inclusive political process.  Violence such as the murderous attack on Dr. al-Hashimi only retards that process and that goal.

The Secretary-General remains greatly concerned about the security situation in Iraq.

The Secretary-General extends to Dr. al-Hashimi and her family his concern and best wishes for a full and rapid recovery.

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