Secretary-General Strongly Condemns Baghdad Attacks, Urges

Iraqis to Unite and Work to Protect Country’s Progress

This is the text of a statement by the Spokesperson of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon yesterday on the attacks in Baghdad:

The Secretary-General is shocked and deeply saddened at the news of today’s double car bombing attacks near the Iraqi Ministry of Justice and the Baghdad Provincial Governorate Building in central Baghdad, in which hundreds were killed and wounded.

He strongly condemns these senseless and indiscriminate acts of violence that repeatedly target the innocent and aim to disrupt Iraq’s recovery.  The Secretary-General extends his deep condolences to the bereaved families and his wishes for the speedy recovery of the wounded.

The Secretary-General urges all Iraqis to unite in the face of these deplorable acts and to work with heightened urgency to protect Iraq’s political progress, including by adhering to the date of 16 January 2010 to hold free and fair national elections.  The Secretary-General reaffirms the United Nations commitment to support and assist the people and Government of Iraq to meet these challenges. 

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For information media • not an official record