No cause can justify terrorist attacks, Annan says of latest Iraq bombings

Stressing yet again that no cause can justify indiscriminate violence which harms innocent civilians, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan condemned today's "brutal terrorist attacks" in Iraq today against two Shia mosques in Khanaqin and a hotel in Baghdad.

"These criminal acts against innocent civilians are also aimed at fostering divisions among the Iraqi people," Mr. Annan said in a statement issued by his spokesman.

"The Secretary-General reiterates that no cause can justify the indiscriminate use of violence, in which innocent civilians are the principal victims," the statement added.

He extended his condolences and deepest sympathies to the families of all the victims.