Security Council deplores Egyptian diplomat's murder in Iraq

The Security Council today condemned the assassination of Ihab al-Sherif, Egypt's ambassador-designate to Iraq, and all terrorist attacks in that country, including the attempted assassinations of diplomats from Bahrain and Pakistan as well as attacks against other civilian personnel.

In a statement read out in a formal meeting by its President for the month, Adamantios Vassilakis (Greece), the Council emphasized that there could be no justification for such terrorist acts, and underlined the need to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Council also reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Iraqi people in their political transition as well as for Iraq's independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. It called upon the international community to stand by the Iraqis in their pursuit of peace, stability and democracy, Ambassador Vassilakis said.

Council members welcomed Egypt's continued commitment in that regard, and recognized Egypt's important role and that of other neighbouring countries in supporting the political process, helping control transit across Iraq's borders and extending other support to the Iraqi people.

Also today, Ashraf Qazi, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative in Iraq, deplored the murder as "a barbaric crime that violated every tenet of Islam and of civilized behaviour."

Mr. Qazi had received the Egyptian envoy only a few days prior to his kidnapping last weekend.

Yesterday, Mr. Annan called on the Iraqi authorities to "do everything possible" to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.