YEREVAN.- The UN office in Armenia condemned the bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja, Nigeria, causing numerous deaths and injuries and expressed their deepest sympathies to the victims and their families.

UN building in Abuja, which house 26 humanitarian and development agencies of the United Nations family, were attacked by a car bomb last Friday.

“This was an assault on those who devote their lives to helping others. We condemn this terrible act, utterly.  A number of people are dead; many more are wounded,” said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

UN Office in Armenia together with the United Nations offices around the world are flying the UN flag at half mast, as a symbol of support for the bereaved in this time of sorrow, says the statement posted on office’s website.

“We express our deep sympathy and condolences to the victims of this heinous crime and to their families, to the people and Government of Nigeria and to the UN colleagues,” said Maria Dotsenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia.

The UN Staff in Armenia observed a minute of silence on Monday, August 29 2011.