PM attacks “pure cowardice” of suicide bombers
Prime Minister Tony Blair has denounced the suicide bomb atrocity at the UN headquarters in Baghdad.
Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN’s envoy to Iraq and High Commissioner for Human Rights, was among the 15 confirmed deaths.
100 people were also injured in the blast when a truck bomb detonated in front of the UN building on Tuesday afternoon.
US officials have said the Ansar al-Islam terrorist group is likely to have been behind the attack, though no one has yet come forward to take responsibility.
Me Blair said it was an act of “pure cowardice.”
Speaking from Barbados, Mr Blair said: “I am shocked and saddened.
“The perpetrators of the atrocity have demonstrated pure cowardice and are enemies not only of the UN and the Coalition but also of the Iraqi people. We will not allow terrorists to weaken our resolve in bringing about a better Iraq.”
US President George Bush sent out a stern message to the culprits: “The civilised world will not be intimidated.
“These killers will not determine the future of Iraq.”
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said he was appalled by the “callous attack”
“My thoughts are with the relatives and friends of those who have been killed and injured,” he said.
“I condemn this outrage against the United Nations, its staff and the people of Iraq. The victims, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, are people who were dedicating themselves to helping Iraq and the Iraqi people towards a better future.”
He vowed to work with the Coalition Provisional Authority, the Iraqi Governing Council and the Iraqi police force to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“This will only reinforce our commitment to work for the peaceful, prosperous and democratic Iraq, which its people deserve.”
A truck bomb exploded outside the Jordanian embassy in Baghdad earlier this month, killing 17 people.
Briton Fiona Watson was a victim of the blast, according to reports.
