SG/SM/9434
2 August 2004
Secretary-General Dismayed by Brutal Killing of Two Pakistani Hostages in Iraq
NEW YORK, 30 July (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary-General learned with dismay and sadness of the brutal killing yesterday in Iraq of two contractors of Pakistani nationality who had been held hostage for several days. The Secretary-General conveys his deepest sympathy and condolences to the Government of Pakistan and to the families of the victims.
The Secretary-General reiterates his condemnation of all hostage-takings and acts of violence against innocent civilians. Such acts are utterly unacceptable and are aimed at undermining Iraq’s political and economic reconstruction.
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