United Nations, 4 November 2003 (RFE/RL) -- The United Nations today relieved two top officials of their duties after an independent panel found that the UN Iraq mission had taken sloppy safety precautions. The UN said that Ramiro Lopez da Silva, who led UN operations in Iraq since the 19 August bombing of the organization's headquarters, and security coordinator Tun Myat were put on special leave until mid-January. They will remain available to provide information to UN officials.
Lopez da Silva's predecessor Sergio Vieira de Mello was among 22 people killed in the bombing, which also left more than 150 wounded, many of them seriously.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon says three people were injured in an explosion near a U.S.-led coalition compound in Baghdad today.
Lopez da Silva's predecessor Sergio Vieira de Mello was among 22 people killed in the bombing, which also left more than 150 wounded, many of them seriously.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon says three people were injured in an explosion near a U.S.-led coalition compound in Baghdad today.