Stockholm, 20 August 2003 (RFE/RL) -- UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today the United Nations' work in Iraq will not be derailed by yesterday's deadly bombing at the UN headquarters in Baghdad. At least 17 people died in the attack, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN's top envoy in Iraq. More than 100 others were wounded, and the death toll was expected to rise as the search for victims continues.
Speaking in Stockholm, Annan said the United Nations will continue working toward the reconstruction and stabilization of Iraq, to ensure that the victims' deaths were not in vain. "The main message is that we will persevere. We will continue our work. It is an essential work, and we are not going to be intimidated," he said.
Annan said he will meet with the UN Security Council later today to discuss ways to better protect UN workers in Iraq. In Baghdad, local UN agencies will meet today to discuss their next steps.
Meanwhile, the head of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation's team in Iraq, Tom Fuentes, said the attack was "probably a suicide bombing." He said human remains were found inside the explosives-filled truck used in the attack.
Speaking in Stockholm, Annan said the United Nations will continue working toward the reconstruction and stabilization of Iraq, to ensure that the victims' deaths were not in vain. "The main message is that we will persevere. We will continue our work. It is an essential work, and we are not going to be intimidated," he said.
Annan said he will meet with the UN Security Council later today to discuss ways to better protect UN workers in Iraq. In Baghdad, local UN agencies will meet today to discuss their next steps.
Meanwhile, the head of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation's team in Iraq, Tom Fuentes, said the attack was "probably a suicide bombing." He said human remains were found inside the explosives-filled truck used in the attack.