    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [August 19, 2003]
    [Page 1034]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of United Nations Special Representative for Iraq
    Sergio Vieira de Mello
    August 19, 2003

        I was deeply saddened to hear of Sergio Vieira de Mello's death at
    the hand of terrorists in Iraq. Special Representative Vieira de Mello
    committed his life to advancing the cause of human rights, most recently
    as U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. When Secretary-General Annan
    asked him to take a leave of absence from those duties to work in Iraq,
    he agreed without hesitation. Just as he selflessly coordinated
    international efforts in East Timor and Kosovo, Mr. de Mello was helping
    the Iraqi people move down the path towards a democratic country
    governed by the rule of law. My deepest condolences go to his family and
    to the people of Brazil, who have lost one of their finest public
    servants.