Security Council speaks out against today's deadly blasts in Iraqi capital

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 World Humanitarian Day, also deplored today's attacks, 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.”