Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the Report of the Independent Panel on the Safety and Security of UN Personnel in Iraq

The security of the staff has been the constant concern of the Secretary-General and the Organization. There have been many previous evaluations of the United Nations Security Coordination System but following the attacks on UN staff on 19 August, the Secretary-General decided that there should be an independent investigation and asked Mr. Martti Ahtisaari to head it. The reports of three earlier internal investigations were made available to his team.

Mr. Ahtisaari's report, while focusing on the attack of 19 August and security conditions in Iraq, has concluded with Findings and Recommendations regarding security in the wider UN system. The report will be closely studied and steps taken to ensure early implementation of its main Recommendations.

The Secretary-General is very grateful to Mr. Ahtisaari for having accepted this assignment despite other demands on his time.