Iraq: message of condolence from Silvio Berlusconi to Kofi Annan

Mr. Secretary General, I wish to offer the condolences of the Italian government for the death of Sergio Vieira de Mello, representative of the United Nations distinguished for his particularly meritorious work in the service of peace in numerous international crisis situations requiring the intervention of the United Nations. Italy renders tribute to this illustrious servant of the international community who well-represents, up to the supreme sacrifice, those United Nations ideals in which the Italian population finds itself reflected.

I would like to offer you the complete solidarity of the Italian government as well as my own, and the heartfelt condolences for all the innocent victims left by today's tragic attack on the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad.

As duty President of the European Union, Italy strongly condemns this barbarous terrorist attack against the United Nations precisely at a time in which it is being called upon to reinforce it presence and role in the reconstruction of the country.

I assure you, Mr. Secretary general, that Italy will continue its vigorous support of United Nations actions in favour of the Iraqi people - actions that surely will not stop in the face of brutal and indiscriminate acts of violence that, by striking the United Nations, in reality strike every member of the international community.

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• Commissioner Patten's speech on Iraq at the EP (3/9/2003)
• Commission continues its humanitarian work in Iraq (21/8/2003)
• EUHR Solana's statement following the death of Sergio Vieira de Mello in Baghdad (19/8/2003)
• EU Presidency Statement - Terrorist attack against the UN Headquarters in Baghdad (19/8/2003)
• Statement by Commissioner Patten on the death of Sergio Vieira de Mello (19/8/2003)
• Romano Prodi expresses outrage at attack on UN Office in Baghdad (19/8/2003)