The Secretary-General strongly condemns today's assassination attempt on Dr. Akila al-Hashimi, a member of the Iraqi Governing Council. The Secretary-General reiterates that the early establishment of a broad-based and representative government in Iraq, to which sovereignty can be transferred, requires an inclusive political process. Violence such as the murderous attack on Dr. al-Hashimi only retards that process and that goal.

The Secretary-General remains greatly concerned about the security situation in Iraq.

The Secretary-General extends to Dr. al-Hashimi and her family his concern and best wishes for a full and rapid recovery.