United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Monday decried the slaying of four Russian diplomats by their abductors in Iraq and called for the immediate release of all hostages in the violence-ridden country.

"The secretary-general was shocked and saddened to learn of the gruesome murder of four Russian diplomats who were taken hostage in Iraq earlier this month," said a statement issued by a UN spokesman.

"He condemns in the strongest possible terms the heinous acts, which no cause can justify," the statement said. "He urges the Iraqi authorities to do everything possible to bring those responsible to justice, and reiterates his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages in Iraq."

The UN chief also expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and to the Russian government and people.

Earlier on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed the deaths of the four Russian diplomats who worked at the country's embassy in Baghdad. They were abducted in Baghdad on June 3 when their vehicle came under fire from gunmen. A fifth Russian diplomat was killed in the attack.

Source: Xinhua