Bombing Outside Home Of Iraqi Political Leader

Annan Condemns Deadly Bombing Outside Home Of Iraqi Political Leader

Voicing his dismay at today's deadly bombing outside the Baghdad home of an Iraqi political leader, Secretary-General Kofi Annan urged the country's people to unite so that next month's national assembly elections can be peacefully and smoothly staged.

"The Secretary-General condemns this attack in the strongest terms and reiterates that such acts of violence are indefensible," he said in a statement issued by his spokesman after the suicide attack, which media reports say killed at least nine people and wounded 50 others.

The attack occurred outside the home of Abdul Aziz Al-Hakim, leader of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution, one of Iraq's political parties. The building also houses the party's head office.

Noting "this critical time of Iraq's history," Mr. Annan reaffirmed that the world body stands ready to help Iraqis hold elections on 30 January for its 275-member national assembly "and to support the broader political transition process." The assembly will draft a constitution and appoint a new government to run the country until a presidential ballot can be held by the end of 2005.

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