UN chief strongly condemns latest wave of attacks in Iraq ahead of the Eid holiday
October 15, 2013: Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday condemned in the strongest
terms a string of bombings which have killed or wounded scores of Iraqis ahead of
the Eid Al-Adha holiday.
The bombings are “particularly despicable” due to
the timing given Eid is a time when Iraqis extend their hands to the needy and the
suffering, Mr. Ban said in a statement from his spokesperson. “On this holiday, the
Secretary-General reiterates his call on Iraqi leaders to work for political unity
and bring the country back from the brink of sectarian violence,” according to the
statement.
Dozens of people have reportedly been killed in the past days, including
school children. Mr. Ban extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims
and the Government of Iraq, and wishes the wounded a speedy recovery. The top United
Nations official in Iraq called last week on political, religious and civil leaders
to work together with security forces to halt a recent surge in violence.
Nearly
1,000 Iraqis were killed and more than 2,000 wounded in acts of terrorism and violence
last month, according to the UN Mission in Iraq (UNAMI). In today’s statement, Mr.
Ban said the UN, including UNAMI, will continue to support the Government and people
of Iraq in building a peaceful, democratic and prosperous country.