[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 34 (Monday, August 25, 2003)]
[Page 1085]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.