SECURITY COUNCIL SPEAKS OUT AGAINST DEADLY BLASTS IN BAGHDAD

The Security Council today condemned the deadly series of terrorist blasts in Baghdad that have killed nearly 100 people and taken place on the sixth anniversary of the bombing of the United Nations offices in the Iraqi capital.

Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Government offices, along with diplomatic missions, were among the buildings hit in the blasts.

Today's explosions coincided with the anniversary of the 2003 Canal Hotel bombing, which killed the head of the UN Mission in Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello and claimed the lives of nearly two dozen other staff members.

The Council, in a press statement, "took this sad occasion to reiterate their strong support and appreciation for the humanitarian work of the UN and its staff in Iraq."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in an address marking the first-ever <"http://www.un.org/en/events/humanitarianday/2009/">World Humanitarian Day, also deplored today's attacks, <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4033">saying that he was saddened that violence persists in Iraq .

The 15-member Council today also underscored the need to bring those behind such "reprehensible acts of terrorism" to justice, calling on all nations for their support.

"The members of the Security Council reiterated that no terrorist act can reverse a path towards peace, democracy and reconstruction in Iraq , which is supported by the people and the Government of Iraq and the international community."

Democracy, Human Rights, Refugees: Commemoration of World Humanitarian Day

Today, the United States is honored to join the international community in commemorating the first World Humanitarian Day. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 to increase public awareness about humanitarian activities around the world, World Humanitarian Day is also an occasion to honor aid workers who labor every day on behalf of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. This day marks the sixth anniversary of the Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad in which 22 people were killed, including Sergio Vieiro de Mello, the Secretary General’s Special Representative in Iraq.

Sadly, situations of dire need exist in every region of the world. The success of our collective response to humanitarian crises rests on the selfless commitment and dedication of professional humanitarian aid workers. Increasingly however, aid workers themselves are targets of attack – in 2008 alone a record 260 humanitarian aid workers were killed, kidnapped or seriously injured in violent attacks. We call upon all governments and parties in conflict to give their highest attention to the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. We are inspired by these workers’ personal dedication to humanitarian principles, especially in the face of grave danger. We honor their service, and we congratulate their successes.