UN: Attack on Red Cross 'Crime Against Humanity'

Iraq: Annan calls attack on Red Cross 'crime against humanity'

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called the bombing of the Red Cross office in Baghdad a "crime against humanity," and condemned all of today's attacks throughout the Iraqi capital.

Mr. Annan "is deeply dismayed at the latest series of terrorist attacks which took place in Baghdad today," and condemns them "in the strongest possible terms," said a statement by a UN spokesperson, Marie Okabe.

In reference specifically to the Red Cross bombing, Ms. Okabe said, "The Secretary-General deplores the targeting of the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Baghdad. The ICRC is a universally respected humanitarian organization. Its neutrality and impartiality are the mainstays of its operations. Today's attack on it is a crime against humanity."

Ms. Okabe said Mr. Annan had spoken with ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger to express his condolences to the families of killed and injured.

Ms. Okabe added that the Secretary-General believes "all terrorist acts, from whatever quarter and whatever their justification, are morally repugnant and indefensible," and called upon the authorities in Iraq to bring those responsible to justice.

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