Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

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Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on terrorist attacks in Baghdad and Jerusalem

 

I am shocked by the attack on the UN headquarters in Baghdad and the suicide bombing in Jerusalem in which terrorists killed dozens of innocent people, including UN personnel committed to help the people of Iraq.(20/8/2003)

I am shocked by the attack on the UN headquarters in Baghdad and the suicide bombing in Jerusalem in which terrorists killed dozens of innocent people, including UN personnel committed to help the people of Iraq. The Czech Republic is shocked by the violent death of the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello, who represented the will of the world community to return the administration of the country into the hands of the Iraqi people. I strongly condemn this horrific act aimed not only at the United Nations and the world community but above all at the interests of the Iraqi people themselves.

I express my full support for the work of the United Nations and of the Provisional Coalition Authority in Iraq and believe that the attack will not impede the determination of the world community to continue in the reconstruction of Iraq and its effort to put the administration of the country as soon as possible into the hands of the Iraqi people. We remain determined to participate in this effort.

I resolutely condemn also the attack in Jerusalem aimed at innocent civilians and at the Middle East peace process. The Czech Republic has always supported and continues to support the peaceful solution of the conflict that must guarantee security to the State of Israel and the legitimate right of the Palestinians to their own state. This aim can only be achieved through peaceful negotiations.

I regard all acts of political violence and terrorism as absolutely inadmissible, regardless of their motives, and firmly believe that the perpetrators and the persons staying in the background of these attacks will be brought to justice.

I also wish to express my compassion for the lost lives and my deep sympathy with the families of the victims.

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