ICC expresses sorrow for tragic events in Baghdad.

ICC-CPI-20030820-33

 

The following letter, addressed to Mr. Kofi Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations, was sent out by the Court today.

“Dear Mr. Secretary-General,

On behalf of the International Criminal Court I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you for the tragic loss of Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello and the other UN staff members in the attack which took place in Baghdad yesterday afternoon. Our sympathies also extend to the families of those affected and to the many staff members that were wounded in the attack.

Mr. Vieira de Mello was a strong advocate of the Court and the ideals it stands for - both in words and in deeds - and his support and encouragement will be dearly missed. 

Those of us who knew Mr. Vieira De Mello and his colleagues are deeply affected by their violent death. Both he and his colleagues serve as examples to us all for the dedication and courage with which they undertook their difficult work.

The Court wishes you and all UN personnel the necessary strength to overcome this tragedy and to continue the important work for which Mr. Vieira De Mello and his colleagues gave their lives.

Please accept, Mr. Secretary-General, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Philippe Kirsch
President
International Criminal Court