The Secretary-General learned with dismay and sadness of the brutal killing yesterday in Iraq of two contractors of Pakistani nationality who had been held hostage for several days. The Secretary-General conveys his deepest sympathy and condolences to the Government of Pakistan and to the families of the victims.

The Secretary-General reiterates his condemnation of all hostage-takings and acts of violence against innocent civilians. Such acts are utterly unacceptable and are aimed at undermining Iraq's political and economic reconstruction.