Official website of the President of Russia

News   /

The message said, in part:

“I am aggrieved and indignant with the terrorist attack at the United Nations Mission in Baghdad, which killed members of the mission and other innocent civilians.

“The death of Sergio Vieira de Mello, your special envoy to Iraq, is an irreplaceable loss for the United Nations and the entire international community. He effectively worked for world peace and security in many UN posts and made a tremendous personal contribution to international efforts to normalise the situation in many problem-laden places—Cambodia, Kosovo, East Timor and, in the preceding months, Iraq.

“Terrorism has no justification, whatever guise it may take and whatever goals it may proclaim. This is Russia’s firm conviction. The UN personnel helping the Iraqi nation to secure peaceful life have fallen victim. Russia is sure that broad-based international participation in Iraqi settlement must continue despite this atrocious terrorist attack.

“Please give my condolences to the friends and families of the victims and compassion to the survivors.”