*EPF203 08/19/2003
Text: Powell Condemns Bombing at UN Headquarters in Iraq
(Calls it "heinous crime" against world and people of Iraq) (210)

Secretary of State Colin Powell in a statement August 19 condemned the terrorist bombing in Iraq, and extended the sympathies of the United States to the victims of "this vicious attack."

Following is a text of his statement:

(begin text)

Condemnation of Bombing At UN Headquarters in Iraq
Secretary Colin L. Powell
Washington, DC
August 19, 2003

The terrorist bombing that occurred today at the UN headquarters in Baghdad is a heinous crime against the international community and against the Iraqi people. I condemn the bombing unequivocally. I spoke to the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan earlier today to convey my deepest sympathy. We extend our sympathies also to the victims of this vicious attack and to their families, colleagues, and the international community. At the UN headquarters in Baghdad, the international community has been working with the Iraqi people to build a better future for Iraq. The United States strongly supports the vital role of the UN in Iraq's reconstruction. We will not be deterred by such immoral acts. The international community must renew its commitment to working with the majority of the Iraqi people who seek to build a free and stable country.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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