29 November 2002
Kenya-Based U.N. Officials Condemn Terrorist Bombing in Mombasa
(United Nations Report for November 29, 2002) (300)
United Nations officials based in Kenya and elsewhere November 29
voiced strong condemnation of the Thanksgiving Day attack in Mombasa
on a hotel and attempted attack on an Israeli civilian airplane.
"In the name of all U.N. agencies and staff headquartered in Nairobi
and in Kenya, I would like to express shock and indignation at these
acts of terrorism," the Director-General of the U.N. Office in the
Kenyan capital, Klaus Toepfer, said, extending condolences to the
victims and their families.
Mr. Toepfer, who is currently on mission in Europe, also voiced hope
for a speedy recovery for all those wounded in the bombing of the
Paradise Hotel.
The UNEP chief also reaffirmed that the U.N. will work closely with
the Kenyan authorities to ensure security for all.
In a letter yesterday to Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi, the
Executive Director of the U.N. Human Settlements Programme (HABITAT),
Anna Tibaijuka, conveyed her heartfelt sympathy "for the human and
material losses caused by the vicious and cowardly terrorist
bombings." Mrs. Tibaijuka affirmed that the U.N. community stands by
the Government "in this tragic moment."
Commenting November 29 on the events in Mombasa, Mrs. Tibaijuka added
that the U.N.'s mandate is to work towards a more peaceful world, and
governments and individuals alike have a responsibility to fight
against hate and violence. "Peace must prevail if we are to have a
world that is safer and more just, in which we can combat poverty and
bring progress to all."
Meanwhile in Geneva, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights,
Sergio Vieira de Mello, also strongly condemned yesterday's attacks.
Deploring the killing of innocent civilians, he said "such contempt
for human life is an outrage."
Mr. Vieira de Mello repeated his condemnation all forms of terrorism
and joined others in extending sympathies to the victims and their
families.
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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