UN commemorates Baghdad bombing

The bomb attack killed 22 United Nations staff

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has paid tribute to the 22 workers killed in a bomb attack on the organisation's headquarters in Baghdad two years ago.

He said the failure to find those behind the bombing was an example of the impunity that so often followed attacks on UN workers around the world.

He commended UN staff currently in Iraq for braving hardship and fear.

Among those killed in the bombing was the UN special envoy to Iraq, Sergio Vieira de Mello.

At the organisation's headquarters in New York, the UN Staff Union will observe the anniversary with a wreath-laying in front of a memorial for the victims.

A UN investigation criticised security arrangements following the bombing, and faulted the UN's refusal to accept protection from American-led forces.

The UN withdrew international staff from Iraq in October 2003 following a second attack on its offices.

In August 2004, a small contingent, limited to 35 international staff, returned to Baghdad.

There are currently approximately 260 UN civilian and military staff in Iraq. Other staff work on projects in Iraq from Kuwait and Jordan.