INDONESIA STRONGLY CONDEMNS
THE ATTACK AGAINST THE UN MISSION IN IRAQ 

 

1.      The Government of the Republic of Indonesia condemns in the strongest possible manner the shocking and dastardly terrorist bomb attack against the United Nations compound at the Canal Hotel, Baghdad, Iraq, on 19 August 2003, causing death and injuries among United Nations personnel. 

2.       As a country, which has itself recently sustained terrorist attack, Indonesia is painfully aware that among the most heinous feature of acts of terror is their indiscriminate nature. Their victims are the innocents and the defenseless. 

3.       The incomprehensible attack in Baghdad has taken the lives and caused injuries to dedicated men and women who, in serving for the United Nations humanitarian mission in Iraq, are in fact acting on behalf of the wider international community. 

4.       United Nations Special Representative for Iraq, Sergio de Mello, who tragically fell victim to the bombing, personified the high dedication and bravery of those serving humanity under the banner of the United Nations, often in most difficult circumstances. Over the years, many within the Indonesian Government have worked closely with the late Sergio de Mello, particularly in the effort to find a comprehensive solution to the issue of Vietnamese refugees on Galang Island, Indonesia, in the mid 1990s, and during his term as Head of the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). 

5.       The Government of Indonesia deeply mourns his death. It expresses deep condolences to the United Nations Secretary General and the families of all the victims, and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. 

6.       Also as a country, which has fallen victim to acts of terror, Indonesia recognizes the importance of not succumbing to the dictates of terror. The Government and People of Indonesia have shown resilience in the face of terror. Likewise, it is important for the United Nations to continue its noble mission in Iraq. The role of the United Nations in post-conflict Iraq is central. 

7.       In this regard, the Government of Indonesia deems it essential that the occupying powers in Iraq take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of United Nations personnel in Iraq in order that they would be able to carry out their important duties. It is also important that perpetrators of this latest heinous act be uncovered and held accountable through a due process of law. 

8.       The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. N. Hassan Wirajuda, who has attended a meeting of the Pacific Island Forum in New Zealand and is beginning a working visit to Australia, is following closely developments in the wake of the bombing in Baghdad.
   

Jakarta, 20 August 2003