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20/08/2003
Rescue operation scaled down in devastated Baghdad UN HQ
The search for people trapped alive in the devastated Baghdad headquarters of the UN is being scaled down following yesterday afternoon's bomb attack.
The latest casualty figures for those killed stands at 17 and 100 people injured in the blast that ripped through the hotel building collapsing part of the structure.
The bomb killed the UN special representative Sergio Vieira de Mello who was trapped in the rubble of his office for several hours.
UN staff injured in yesterday’s blast were being evacuated from Iraq today. Some are being taken to neighbouring countries including Jordan for medical treatment.
Secretary General of the UN, Kofi Annan, condemned the attack as an act of “unprovoked and murderous violence”.
Mr Mello, a 55-year-old Brazilian veteran of many UN peacekeeping operations from the Balkans to East Timor to Africa, had been trapped in the rubble of his office in the shell of the Canal Hotel, which served as UN headquarters in the Iraqi capital. A 30-year UN veteran he was UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Mr Annan said Mello’s death was "a bitter blow for the United Nations, and for me personally".
A UN spokesperson reaffirmed the commitment to Iraq, but that the organisation would have to rethink its plans for operations in the country following the bombing.
UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said he was appalled by the "callous attack" against the UN Baghdad HQ and said that the United Nations and Iraq had lost an “exceptional man” with the death of Mr Mello.
He said: "My thoughts are with the relatives and friends of those who have been killed and injured."
The UN has confirmed that among those known to have been killed are Fiona Watson of the United Kingdom, Rick Hooper of the United States, Ranillo Buenaventura and Marilyn Manuel of the Philippines, and Jean-Selim Kanaan of Egypt.
The Programme Coordinator for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Iraq, Christopher Klein-Beekman, also died. The 32-year-old Canadian was the agency’s chief of Iraq operations.
US military sources confirmed that the bomb placed in a cement lorry was almost certainly a suicide attack on the UN building.
(SP)
The latest casualty figures for those killed stands at 17 and 100 people injured in the blast that ripped through the hotel building collapsing part of the structure.
The bomb killed the UN special representative Sergio Vieira de Mello who was trapped in the rubble of his office for several hours.
UN staff injured in yesterday’s blast were being evacuated from Iraq today. Some are being taken to neighbouring countries including Jordan for medical treatment.
Secretary General of the UN, Kofi Annan, condemned the attack as an act of “unprovoked and murderous violence”.
Mr Mello, a 55-year-old Brazilian veteran of many UN peacekeeping operations from the Balkans to East Timor to Africa, had been trapped in the rubble of his office in the shell of the Canal Hotel, which served as UN headquarters in the Iraqi capital. A 30-year UN veteran he was UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Mr Annan said Mello’s death was "a bitter blow for the United Nations, and for me personally".
A UN spokesperson reaffirmed the commitment to Iraq, but that the organisation would have to rethink its plans for operations in the country following the bombing.
UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said he was appalled by the "callous attack" against the UN Baghdad HQ and said that the United Nations and Iraq had lost an “exceptional man” with the death of Mr Mello.
He said: "My thoughts are with the relatives and friends of those who have been killed and injured."
The UN has confirmed that among those known to have been killed are Fiona Watson of the United Kingdom, Rick Hooper of the United States, Ranillo Buenaventura and Marilyn Manuel of the Philippines, and Jean-Selim Kanaan of Egypt.
The Programme Coordinator for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Iraq, Christopher Klein-Beekman, also died. The 32-year-old Canadian was the agency’s chief of Iraq operations.
US military sources confirmed that the bomb placed in a cement lorry was almost certainly a suicide attack on the UN building.
(SP)
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20 August 2003
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.
UK and US promise justice for victims of 'callous' Baghdad bomb
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MoD names British soldiers killed in Iraq bombing
The Ministry of Defence has named the two soldiers killed in a roadside bomb blast in Iraq on Saturday. Privates Joseva Lewaicei, 25, and Adam Morris, 19, both of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, died as a result of injuries sustained from a roadside bomb that occurred around 11.45pm local time in Basra, southern Iraq, on Saturday.
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Explosions in southern Iraq kill at least 68 people
At least 68 people have been killed in a series of bomb attacks on police stations in the southern Iraq this morning. According to reports, three police stations in Basra were targeted in simultaneous attacks during rush hour. A short time later a police training school in Al Zubayr, which lies 16 miles to the south of Basra, was hit by car bombs.
Explosions in southern Iraq kill at least 68 people
At least 68 people have been killed in a series of bomb attacks on police stations in the southern Iraq this morning. According to reports, three police stations in Basra were targeted in simultaneous attacks during rush hour. A short time later a police training school in Al Zubayr, which lies 16 miles to the south of Basra, was hit by car bombs.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
