UN Official Condemns Attacks On Iraqi Civilians

Top United Nations official speaks out against 'vicious' attacks on Iraqi civilians

28 July 2008 - The United Nations envoy to Iraq has strongly condemned today's bombings in Baghdad and Kirkuk which have left dozens of civilians dead and hundreds more injured, and follow a deadly attack on Sunday in which seven pilgrims were shot to death in Mada'in.

The Secretary-General's Special Representative, Staffan de Mistura, described these attacks as "vicious crimes committed against the defenceless by those who will stop at nothing in their quest to reignite sectarian and ethnic conflict," in a statement issued by the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

Mr. de Mistura extended the sincere condolences of the UN to the bereaved families and wishes for a full and speedy recovery for the wounded.

He called for unity among all Iraqis and a rejection of violence.

In a related development, UNAMI has condemned the killing of Soran Hama, a journalist with Levin magazine in Kirkuk, who was murdered a week ago by gunmen in front of his house.

"UNAMI is alarmed that journalists in Iraq continue to be targeted undermining the integrity of the press and freedom of expression in the country," the Mission said in a statement.

It called on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation into the murder, apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

ENDS

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