António Guterres was talking throughout a wreath-laying ceremony at a memorial in Baghdad to honour the victims of the 19 August 2003 Canal Resort bombing – the worst terrorist assault in UN historical past.
Twenty-two folks had been killed, together with the then UN Particular Consultant for Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello. Greater than 100 others had been injured, and a number of other survivors attended the ceremony.
Households nonetheless mourning
Mr. Guterres advised the viewers that “22 years is a very long time, however we are going to always remember the colleagues who had been killed that day within the bombing on the Canal Resort.”
These workers members “had been sons, daughters, moms, fathers and pals who’re, to this present day, mourned by these they knew and beloved,” he stated.
“We’ll all the time bear in mind their chief, Sergio Vieira de Mello, who was additionally killed within the assault. We’ll stand with the survivors whose lives had been modified eternally,” he added.
“And we are going to bear in mind the brave colleagues and others who rushed to assist on that horrible day, and within the days and weeks after — exhibiting us the easiest of the humanitarian spirit.”
A tribute and reminder
Mr. Guterres stated the memorial stands as a tribute to their lives and their contributions to the folks of Iraq. It additionally serves as a reminder of how far the nation has come since 2003.
He famous that the ladies and men of the United Nations have labored tirelessly along with the courageous and resilient folks of Iraq to help their quest for stability, growth and peace.
He careworn that above all, the memorial is “a transparent reminder of the very important work that our group does around the globe — and the risks our folks face in finishing up that work.”
Remembering humanitarians worldwide
5 years after the assault the UN Normal Meeting adopted a resolution designating 19 August as World Humanitarian Day.
This date “has been eternally reworked from a day of unimaginable horror and tragedy right here in Iraq into a worldwide day of solemn remembrance for all humanitarians — inside and out of doors the group,” Mr. Guterres stated.
“Their bravery, dedication, and perception that a greater future is feasible will all the time encourage us. And like these whose lives had been misplaced on 19 August 2003, their sacrifices and contributions to our world — and to our very important reason behind peace — won’t ever be forgotten.”
The UN Secretary-Normal meets with H.E. Mr. Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq.
Assembly with Iraqi Prime Minister
The Secretary-Normal was in Baghdad to attend the League of Arab States Summit. He additionally met with senior Iraqi officers, together with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.
Throughout talks on Sunday, they mentioned developments in Iraq and the area, in addition to the remaining interval of the UN Help Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
The Secretary-Normal reaffirmed that the UN stays absolutely dedicated to persevering with to help the Authorities and folks of Iraq following the Mission’s departure.
UNAMI has been within the nation since 2003 and is working to conclude its mandate by the tip of the yr.
