The secretary-general expresses his deepest condolences to the government of Iraq and to the families of the bereaved.

does not represent a policy decision to disengage from Iraq.

The secretary-general also welcomes the prime minister's statement that such practices are completely contrary to Iraqi government policy.

The secretary-general is worried by the unexpected announcement of the presidential decree concerning the national assembly.

repeatedly urged all actors in conflict situations around the world -- governments, local authorities and armed forces -- to protect the right of all citizens to reliable information and the right of journalists to provide it without fearing for their security.

The secretary-general and the United Nations stand fully behind the millennium development goals, which are internationally accepted and which have the broad support of member states and civil society.