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UN envoy to Iraq says all parties must honour sanctity of holy sites

UN envoy to Iraq says all parties must honour sanctity of holy sites

SRSG Ashraf Qazi
Reacting to an incident at the Umm al-Qura mosque in Iraq, the senior United Nations envoy to the country today stressed that all parties must honour the sanctity of holy sites.

Reacting to an incident at the Umm al-Qura mosque in Iraq, the senior United Nations envoy to the country today stressed that all parties must honour the sanctity of holy sites.

In a statement released in Baghdad, Ashraf Qazi voiced regret at the event yesterday, when some security forces entered the mosque.

Mr. Qazi called on the responsible authorities to ensure that the issue is investigated as quickly and transparently as possible.

This incident, following others in recent weeks involving places of worship, should serve as a reminder of the need to eschew violence and build mutual trust and confidence, Mr. Qazi said, calling on all concerned to support a fully inclusive political process that would increase stability and a peaceful future for the people of Iraq.

Also today, on the occasion of the holy Muslim holiday Eid Al Adha, Mr. Qazi wished the country’s citizens a peaceful celebration.

“Eid Al Adha El-Mubarak is always a time for people to reach out to one another and solidify the common bonds amongst them,” he said in a message released in Baghdad.

“For the Iraqi people, this particular Eid Al Adha holds a special meaning as they undergo a process of national healing and unity,” he added.

Mr. Qazi wished all of the Iraqi people, representatives and their leaders “a festive and peaceful holiday.”