Condemning ‘Atrocious’ Terrorist Attacks in Baghdad, Secretary-General Urges Iraq’s People to Reject Such Attempts at ‘Fear-Mongering’

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

The Secretary-General condemns the recent atrocious terrorist attacks in Baghdad and Muqdadiya that killed scores of civilians and injured many more.  He expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government and people of Iraq, and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.

The Secretary-General is concerned that these cowardly attacks claimed by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) at funerals, markets and places of worship are aimed at undermining the unity of the people of Iraq.  He appeals to them to reject such attempts at fear-mongering.

The Secretary-General calls on the Government of Iraq to make sure that the perpetrators of these crimes are swiftly brought to justice.  He reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support Iraq in its work to promote national dialogue and reconciliation.