"I was shocked and saddened to hear that UN Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello and many of his colleagues were killed in the attack on UN headquarters in Iraq yesterday," said Foreign Minister Jan Petersen. "Our thoughts go to Mr Vieira de Mello’s family and the other bereaved families."

"The UN has lost one of its key figures," said Mr Petersen. "He was a distinguished international diplomat of outstanding ability who was chosen by the Secretary-General for some of the most difficult and delicate tasks the UN has had to deal with. He and his colleagues had many friends in Norway."

"Sergio Vieira de Mello was UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and before that United Nations Transitional Administrator in East Timor, where he was instrumental in the successful transition to independence. With his likable personality and diplomatic skill, he was able to create an atmosphere that made it possible to resolve difficult issues. We will sorely miss him when the UN and the international community have to deal with new challenges in the time ahead," said the Foreign Minister.