United Nations, Sept 03: The United Nations has ordered an outside review of its security measures following the deadly bombing of its Baghdad headquarters last month, spokesman Fred Eckhard said today. "An independent inquiry will be conducted to investigate our security arrangements" in the aftermath of the attack, he said, quoting an e-mail sent to UN staffers.

Eckhard did not indicate who would carry out the inquiry, which he said had been announced by UN Undersecretary General for Management Catherine Bertini. A truck bomb ripped through the UN's Baghdad offices on August 19, killing 22 people, including special envoy Sergio Vieira De Mello.

More than half of the world body's international staff members have been ordered out of the country after the attack, Eckhard said, adding: "We are committed to continue our work in Iraq." Bureau Report