The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the string of bombings that have killed and wounded scores of people, including school children, across Iraq over the past days. He extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the Government of Iraq and wishes the wounded a speedy recovery.

These attacks, the latest in an upsurge of bombings, are particularly despicable as they hit Iraqis at a time when they extend their hands to the needy and the suffering on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha. On this holiday, the Secretary-General reiterates his call on Iraqi leaders to work for political unity and bring the country back from the brink of sectarian violence.

The United Nations, including the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), will continue to support the Government and people of Iraq in building a peaceful, democratic and prosperous country.