Secretary-General voices outrage after bombs kill Shi’a pilgrims in Iraq

Condemning blasts in Iraq today targeting Shi’as on a religious pilgrimage, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the country’s leaders to use their influence to protect civilians and promote dialogue among all communities.

“The Secretary-General is outraged by the series of bomb attacks in Iraq today on Shi’a pilgrims who were making their way to the holy city of Karbala,” a spokesperson for Mr. Ban said in a statement.

“He condemns these heinous acts, which appear to be aimed at provoking sectarian strife,” spokesperson Michele Montas said of the attacks, which reportedly killed scores of innocent Iraqis.

Appealing for “maximum restraint in the face of these criminal actions,” Mr. Ban also called on the country’s political and religious leaders “to exert their influence to protect civilian lives and to promote mutual respect and dialogue between all Iraqi communities.”