Secretary of State Colin Powell paid tribute August 19 to the 22 victims of the 2003 bombing of the U.N. Headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq, on the one-year anniversary of the attack, characterizing their deaths as "a senseless loss for the United Nations, the Iraqi people and all who believe in the promise of a free and democratic Iraq."

Powell pledged that the lives would not be lost in vain as the United Nations continues to work towards peace and stability in Iraq. "The Secretary General's Special Representative, Jehangir Qazi, is now in Iraq and supporting the Interim Iraqi Government as it embarks on a new chapter in the country's political transition and prepares for democratic elections," he said.

Powell said the United States continues to work closely with the United Nations in support of its mission in Iraq.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
For Immediate Release
August 19, 2004
2004/916

Statement by Secretary of State Colin L. Powell

One-Year Anniversary of Bombing at UN Headquarters in Iraq

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the tragic bombing of the UN's Headquarters in Iraq. On behalf of the United States, I pay tribute to and mourn the lives lost on August 19, 2003. The death of my dear friend Sergio Vieira de Mello, who devoted his life to helping others, as well as the other dedicated UN personnel serving in Iraq, was a senseless loss for the United Nations, the Iraqi people and all who believe in the promise of a free and democratic Iraq. To the survivors as well as the families and colleagues who lost loved ones, we will not let their sacrifice be in vain.

This vicious attack cannot break the will of the United Nations, Secretary General Kofi Annan, and all of us who are committed to helping the people of Iraq build a better future. The UN's work and its progress to date is a testament to the efforts begun by Sergio Vieira de Mello and his UN colleagues. The Secretary General's Special Representative, Jehangir Qazi, is now in Iraq and supporting the Interim Iraqi Government as it embarks on a new chapter in the country's political transition and prepares for democratic elections.

The international community will not be deterred by the immoral act of a year ago. The United States remains steadfast in its support for the United Nations mission in Iraq. We will continue to work side by side as partners to help build a free and peaceful Iraq. That's what Sergio and his brave colleagues would have wanted.