China is shocked at the devastating bomb attack on the United Nations (UN) headquarters in Iraq, Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said in Beijing Tuesday.

China condemns the violent attack meant for the UN staff, Kong said, extending condolences to the victims and sympathy and solicitude for the sufferers in the blast.

A truck bomb ripped through the UN headquarters in Iraq Tuesday afternoon, causing heavy casualties.

Kong said China supports the UN effort for the reconstruction of Iraq and strongly calls for authorities concerned to take measures to safeguard the personal security of UN staff in that country.
 
(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2003)