SECRETARY-GENERAL, GREATLY DISMAYED AT RECENT WAVE OF TERRORIST ATTACKS IN IRAQ,

CONDEMNs ACTS IN STRONGEST TERMS, URGes RESTRAINT TO PREVENT ESCALATION

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

The Secretary-General is greatly dismayed by the recent wave of terrorist attacks in Iraq, particularly in Sadr-City, Baghdad and Tal-Afar, which have reportedly caused the death and injury of hundreds of innocent civilians, and led to a number of reprisal attacks.  He condemns these heinous acts in the strongest possible terms.  They cannot be justified by any cause and are clearly aimed at fomenting sectarian strife and further undermining the stability and national unity of Iraq.

The Secretary-General urges the Iraqi people to heed the calls by political and religious leaders from all sides for calm and restraint to prevent an escalation of the situation, and to engage in a genuine national dialogue that addresses the needs and aspirations of all.

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For information media • not an official record