Secretary-General voices shock and sadness over bomb attack on Iraqi soccer fans

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said that he was “shocked and saddened” over two bomb attacks reportedly claiming the lives of over 50 innocent civilians celebrating the Iraqi national football team’s “inspiring victory” in the Asian Games.

“The Secretary-General condemns this particularly reprehensible act which came at a moment when all of Iraq had joined together to celebrate the success of their nation,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.

He also hopes that Iraqis will not be daunted by this “despicable act” and that they will come together in the spirit of national unity symbolized by their national football team.”