A statement issued a UN spokesman said the Secretary-General was appalled by the attacks and strongly condemned “this cruel and heartless practice, for which there can be no justification.”

Mr. Annan was “particularly disturbed by reports that the perpetrators of these latest crimes have also prevented ambulances from reaching the victims,” the statement said.

“The Secretary-General hopes these attacks will not deter Iraqi leaders and citizens from continuing to take part in rebuilding their country as it emerges from war and tyranny,” it added.

Through the spokesman, Mr. Annan expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims, who reportedly included young children and mourners killed when a car bomb exploded at a funeral.