Reacting to the news of today's deadly
train accident in Iran, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan pledged
the world body's help in mitigating the disaster.
"The Secretary-General was distressed
to learn of the casualties and damage caused by the chemical train derailment
and explosion in Neyshabur, Iran," UN spokesman Fred Eckhard told
reporters in New York.
Conveying Mr. Annan's condolences and deepest sympathy to the Iranian Government and the victims of the disaster, the spokesman said the UN "stands ready to assist those affected by the tragedy."