Iraq: Annan horrified by hostage's murder and use as 'public spectacle'

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today condemned the brutal execution of a civilian hostage in Iraq recently, which was captured on videotape and broadcast worldwide Tuesday.

"He was horrified by the gruesome murder of a civilian hostage…and was particularly disturbed by the use of this killing as a public spectacle," the Secretary-General's spokesman Fred Eckhard said in response to a question about hostage Nick Berg, who was beheaded by his hooded captors.

"He extends his deepest condolences to the family of the victim and can only image how they must be feeling," Mr. Eckhard added.

The Secretary-General condemned all killings of innocent civilians in Iraq, "as he condemns all abuse of all prisoners and other violations of international humanitarian law," the spokesman said.

"Now more than ever he once again appeals to all parties to adhere strictly to the fundamental precepts of human rights and principles of international humanitarian law," Mr. Eckhard said.