Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday decreed a day of mourning following the death of Brazilian top UN diplomat in Baghdad, Sergio Vieira de Mello.
The UN special representative to Iraq was killed in a suspected suicide bombing at the UN's Baghdad headquarters Tuesday that claimed the lives of at least 19 others and left around 100 injured.
Lula told reporters that he "vehemently condemned this terrorist act," adding that Vieira de Mello was a "victim of terrorist madness." He sent his condolences to the victim's family.
The South American country's Foreign Minister Celso Amorim, who described Vieira de Mello as "a great friend," said he hoped his "brutal death will not be in vain."
Meanwhile, US President Bush is paying tribute to Vieira de Mello, saying he was killed while trying to help the people of Iraq.
Bush said he was deeply saddened to hear that Vieira de Mello died at the hands of "terrorists".
In a written statement, President Bush hailed the UN top envoy. The President said he committed his life to advancing the cause of human rights, taking a leave of absence from his duties as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to serve as the Secretary-General's representative in the Iraqi capital.
Bush noted his earlier work on behalf of the international community in East Timor and Kosovo. The President said when asked to help in Iraq, Vieira de Mello agreed with no hesitation. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
