SECRETARY-GENERAL STRONGLY CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACK IN NAJAF, IRAQ

SECRETARY-GENERAL STRONGLY CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACK IN NAJAF, IRAQ

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest possible terms today’s terrorist attack in Najaf, in which the spiritual leader of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution (SCIRI), Ayatollah Mohammad Baker Al-Hakim, and many others were killed.  He is appalled that this incident took place just after Friday prayers in one of Shi’ite Islam’s holiest sites.  The Secretary-General has repeatedly stated that all terrorist acts, whatever their justification, are morally reprehensible and wholly indefensible.

In the difficult days ahead, the Secretary-General urges all political and religious groups in Iraq to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from further acts of violence and revenge.  The Secretary-General reaffirms his belief that only a credible, inclusive and transparent political process can lead to peace and stability in Iraq.

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