Annan deplores attempted assassination in Iraq

Annan deplores attempted assassination in Iraq

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan strongly condemned today's assassination attempt against Dr. Akila al-Hashimi, a member of the Iraqi Governing Council, and warned that the attack would only undermine the country's political progress.

In a statement released by his spokesman in New York, Mr. Annan pointed out that an inclusive political process is needed in order to quickly establish a broad-based and representative Iraqi government to which sovereignty can be transferred. “Violence such as the murderous attack on Dr. al-Hashimi only retards that process and that goal,” he said.

Commenting on the broader problem of instability, the spokesman said the Secretary-General “remains greatly concerned about the security situation in Iraq.”

Through the statement, Mr. Annan also extended to Dr. al-Hashimi and her family his concern as well as best wishes for a full and rapid recovery.

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