ATLANTA, GA.....I was shocked and dismayed to hear of the death of Sergio Vieira de Mello and his fellow international civil servants earlier today.

He represented the very highest standards of service to the international community and mankind. He dedicated his life to serving others, seeking to alleviate their suffering and repair their broken dreams, while performing critical roles with the High Commissioner for Refugees, in peacekeeping missions around the world, and as the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

He served where others would not or could not and was sent on the toughest missions because the United Nations knew it could count on him to accomplish those missions. My wife, Rosalynn, and I, and the staff of The Carter Center share the grief of the families, friends, and U.N. colleagues of those who sacrificed their lives today.

Sergio Vieira de Mello, the dedicated international civil servants, and the Iraqi citizens who died today did so pursuing the noble goals of the preamble to the United Nations Charter, working to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights.

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