United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today reiterated his condemnation of all hostage-takings and acts of violence against innocent civilians following the killing of two Pakistani nationals Thursday in Iraq.

“Such acts are utterly unacceptable and are aimed at undermining Iraq’s political and economic reconstruction,” said a statement issued by Mr. Annan’s spokesman.

The spokesman said the Secretary-General was dismayed and saddened to learn of the brutal killing of the two contractors, who had been held hostage for several days, and conveyed his deepest sympathy and condolences to the Government of Pakistan and to the families of the victims.