Condemning Violence in Iraq, Secretary-General Says Terrorism

Must Not Be Allowed to Undo ‘Path Towards Democracy’

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the upsurge in violence in Iraq at the hands of terrorist groups, including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, which have reportedly taken control of the cities of Mosul, Tuz Khourmatu, Beiji and Tikrit.  Terrorism must not be allowed to succeed in undoing the path towards democracy in Iraq as determined by the will of the Iraqi people.

The Secretary-General urges the international community to unite in showing solidarity with Iraq as it confronts this serious security challenge.  He calls for full respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law in efforts to counter terrorism and violence in Iraq.

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For information media • not an official record