UK and US promise justice for victims of 'callous' Baghdad bomb

The UK and US government have strongly condemned yesterday’s bomb attack on the UN headquarters in Baghdad and pledged to “reinforce” their efforts in ensuring stability for the region.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said he was appalled by the "callous attack", adding that it was an attack against the country, its people, the whole international community and "a further reminder of the ruthless and callous elements at large in Iraq, many of whose type were behind the Saddam regime".

"My thoughts are with the relatives and friends of those who have been killed and injured," he said.

The Foreign Secretary pledged the government would "do whatever it can" to help the Coalition Provisional Authority, the Iraqi Governing Council and the Iraqi police force bring the perpetrators to justice.

"This will only reinforce our commitment to work for the peaceful, prosperous and democratic Iraq, which its people deserve," he said.

Mr Straw paid tribute to UN special envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello who was killed in the explosion – which also claimed the lives of up to 16 others. The bomb was detonated at the entrance to the building, which was directly below Mr de Mello’s office. The UN official was buried in the rubble and was reportedly conscious for a time after the attack, but later succumbed to his injuries.

"Sergio Vieira de Mello's death is an utter tragedy. He was an outstanding international civil servant who had dedicated much of his life to the high ideals of the United Nations, and to putting those into practice at the frontline of conflict,” he said.

Mr de Mello was Special Representative for Kosovo in 1999 and then headed the UN Mission in East Timor. Last year he was appointed UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

President George Bush said that the atrocity had persuaded the US to "continue this war on terror until all the killers are brought to justice".

Also extending his sympathies to the families of those killed or injured in the attack, Mr Bush said he had directed Ambassador Paul Bremer, the US civil administrator in Iraq, to "provide all possible assistance to the rescue and recovery efforts".

"There will be days like today, which are truly tragic, but there is absolutely no question the coalition intends to stay the course," he added.

Secretary of State Colin Powell called the bombing "a heinous crime against the international community and against the Iraqi people".

The international community has been working with the Iraqi people to build a better future for Iraq, Mr Powell said.

(gmcg)