Convoy attack will not deter UN from helping Iraqi people, Ban says

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today vowed that today’s attack on a United Nations convoy in Iraq would not deter the Organization from continuing its efforts to assist the Iraqi people on their path to reconciliation and prosperity.

The convoy was carrying Mr. Ban’s Special Representative for Iraq Ad Melkert, his Deputy Special Representative Jerzy Skuratowicz and the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) staff.

All UN staff escaped without injury in the attack, which occurred in Najaf, but a member of the Iraqi security forces was killed and several others injured.

“The Secretary-General sends his condolences to the family of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” a statement issued by his spokesman said.

Mr. Ban expressed his appreciation to Mr. Melkert and all UNAMI staff, “who are working under difficult circumstances to implement the mandate of the United Nations in Iraq.

“This attack will not deter the UN from continuing its efforts to assist the Iraqi people on their path to reconciliation and prosperity,” the statement concluded.