SECRETARY-GENERAL CONDEMNS LATEST BOMBINGS IN BAGHDAD,

CALLS ATTACK ON RED CROSS ‘CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY’

The following statement was issued on 27 October by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the terrorist attacks in Iraq:

The Secretary-General is deeply dismayed at the latest series of terrorist attacks which took place in Baghdad today, resulting in numerous deaths and casualties.  He unequivocally condemns these attacks in the strongest possible terms.

The Secretary-General deplores the targeting of the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Baghdad.  The ICRC is a universally respected humanitarian organization.  Its neutrality and impartiality are the mainstays of its operations.  Today’s attack on it is a crime against humanity.

The Secretary-General, who spoke directly with Jakob Kellenberger, President of the ICRC, this morning, expresses his deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who have been killed or injured in these attacks.  He shares their sorrow and grief.

The Secretary-General reiterates once again that all terrorist acts, from whatever quarter and whatever their justification, are morally repugnant and indefensible.  He calls on the authorities in Iraq to take every possible measure to bring those responsible to justice.

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