New York

22 September 2003

Statement Attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on bombing in Baghdad (revised)

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest possible terms today's suicide bombing in the car park of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad. He is deeply saddened by the death and destruction caused by the attack which reportedly killed one Iraqi policeman and wounded many others, including Iraqi national staff of the United Nations.

The Secretary-General commends the Iraqi police, whose prompt action averted another major disaster. He conveys his heartfelt condolences to the family of the victim and hopes that the injured will make a full recovery.

The Secretary-General is dismayed that the United Nations in Iraq has once again been the target of an act of terror. He remains greatly concerned about the deteriorating security situation in Iraq.