Armenia condemns the outrageous attack against the United Nations Headquarters in Baghdad.

Our sympathies go to all UN staff and their families, who are directly or indirectly affected by this affront against their professional commitment We mourn the loss of Sergio Vieira de Mello who as Kofi Annan¹s personal representative there personified the UN resolve to support the Iraqi people in the development of a sovereign and independent Iraq. This attack is an assault against that ideal.

We would add a special note of concern for the health and well-being of our compatriot Benon Sevan, the UN Executive Director of the Oil-for-Food Program, who has for decades demonstrated his devotion to the right of all people to live in peace and security.

Armenia believes that the principles, which have guided the UN will prevail and that the organization and its dedicated staff will continue to try to improve lives around the world, even in the face of such senseless violence.