New York - The UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, described the air attacks as "a sad day for the United Nations and for the world". Speaking soon after the first wave of missiles was launched late on Wednesday, he said: "My thoughts tonight are with the people of Iraq and with the 370 United Nations humanitarian workers who remain in the country, and with all others whose lives are in danger.
"It is also a very sad day for me personally. Throughout this year, I have done everything in my power to ensure peaceful compliance with Security Council resolutions, and to avert the use of force . . . I deeply regret that today these efforts have proved insufficient. What has happened cannot be reversed. Nor can any of us foresee the future.
"All we know is that tomorrow, as yesterday, there will be still an acute need, in Iraq and in the wider region, for both humanitarian relief and healing diplomacy."