Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik of Norway has today sent the following letter of condolences to the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, following the terrorist attack on the United Nations Headquarters in Baghdad:

Dear Secretary General,

I was deeply shocked and saddened to learn that the UN envoy to Iraq, Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello, and so many others were killed and injured in the terrorist bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad.

My government condemns this abominable act in the strongest terms. We consider it totally unacceptable that UN personnel who are in Baghdad to assist the Iraqi people are targeted in such terrorist acts. My thoughts go to the families and friends of those who were killed in the bombing and to those who were injured.

Sergio Vieira de Mello, whom I met on many occasions, enjoyed great respect in Norway for the work he did in Iraq, in East Timor, in other countries and as High Commissioner for Human Rights. He had many friends in our country and we deeply regret that the international community will no longer be able to benefit from his extraordinary abilities. His death is indeed a great loss to the UN and to the world.

On behalf of the Norwegian Government and the Norwegian people, I would like to convey to you, the bereaved families and those injured in the attack my heartfelt condolences and sympathy.

The terrible act we have seen in Baghdad is far removed from the peaceful mountains of Lofoten that we enjoyed together only a few days ago. I very much appreciated our valuable discussions.

Looking forward to seeing you again in New York in September, I remain,

Yours sincerely,

Kjell Magne Bondevik