Today's Date:

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Paris, August 19, 2003

France condemns in the strongest possible terms the attack against the UN headquarters in Baghdad. It conveys its deepest sympathy and complete solidarity to the victims and their families. It renews its full support for the UN effort in Iraq, where that organization is working side by side with the Iraqi people to help bring peace and reconstruction. It most particularly wishes to hail the efforts and courage of the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Mr. Vieira de Mello, stricken in this terrible attack.