Ban Ki-moon speaks out against attempt on Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister’s life

One day after meeting in Baghdad with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Salam Z. Al-Zubai, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today spoke out against the attempt on his life, wishing him a speedy recovery and conveying condolences to those killed in the attack.

Mr. Ban was “shocked and dismayed to hear that the Deputy Prime Minister had been injured in an assassination attempt earlier today,” a UN spokesperson said in a statement.

“The Secretary-General greatly valued the opportunity to meet with Mr. Al-Zubai yesterday to hear his views on the current situation in Iraq,” the statement added, reiterating Mr. Ban’s admiration for the Deputy Prime Minister’s “readiness to serve Iraq at a great personal risk.”

The Secretary-General sent a personal message to Mr. Al-Zubai, offering his condolences for those killed and injured and wishing him a full and speedy recovery from his injuries, according to the statement.