Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Iraq

The Secretary-General has learned with dismay of the suicide attack which occurred in Baghdad today outside the home of the leader of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution [Abdul Aziz al-Hakim], in which 15 people were reportedly killed and at least 50 wounded. The Secretary-General condemns this attack in the strongest terms and reiterates that such acts of violence are indefensible.

At this critical time of Iraq's history, the Secretary-General calls on all Iraqis to unite in a spirit of national reconciliation, so that elections can take place in a peaceful and orderly fashion.

The Secretary-General reiterates his readiness to continue to do everything possible to assist the Iraqi people in holding elections and to support the broader political transition process in accordance with Security Council resolution 1546.