‘Appalled’ by Attacks against Minority Groups in Iraq, Secretary-General

 

Urges International Community to Positively Impact Country’s Situation

 

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

The Secretary-General is deeply appalled at today’s reports of attacks by the terrorist group Islamic State in Kirkuk and Qaraqosh, and earlier attacks in Tal Afar and Sinjar district affecting mainly the vulnerable communities of Christians, Turkomen, and Yezidis.  Reports of Yezidis amassing along the Turkish border as well as thousands also trapped in the Sinjar mountains in desperate need of humanitarian assistance are of urgent andgrave concern.

The Secretary-General welcomes the successful humanitarian airdrop that has taken place so far, but expresses his continuing and deepconcern for the safety of those civilians.

The Secretary-General calls on the international community, especially those with the influence and resources, to positively impact the situation, to support the Government and people of Iraq and to do all it can to help alleviate the suffering of the population affected by the current conflict in Iraq.

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For information media • not an official record