Obituaries — United Nations Headquarters, Baghdad—Bomb Victims

I move, That the House notes with deep sorrow the death last week of 22 people from the bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, including Sergio Vieira de Mello, the United Nations’ special representative to Iraq. The attack was a tragedy for the United Nations, and our condolences go to all those families who have suffered loss and to those, including New Zealander Major Todd Hart, who were injured in the bombing. I pay particular tribute to Sergio de Mello. He was one of the United Nations’ most able people. He worked tirelessly to restore order in many regions racked by war. New Zealanders who worked with him in East Timor and in other areas valued highly his integrity and unquestionable competence. This tragedy must not be allowed to stand in the way of the vital humanitarian role that the United Nations has to play in Iraq, which New Zealand fully supports. I am sure that all parties—and several have asked me to mention them during my comments—and all New Zealanders will join in deploring this attack, and in expressing our sympathy to the families who have lost members as victims in this disaster.

Motion agreed to.

Honourable members stood as a mark of respect.