UN calls on Iraqi leaders to set aside religious differences after deadly car blasts

United Nations officials today called on Iraqi leaders to set aside religious and political difference and protect civilians after yesterday’s multiple car bombings in the north of the country that reportedly left at least 200 people dead and many more wounded.

“Nothing can justify such indiscriminate violence against innocent civilians,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement issued by his spokesperson.

He reiterated “the urgent need for all Iraqi leaders, regardless of their political or religious affiliations, to work together to protect civilian lives and to dedicate themselves towards a meaningful dialogue aimed at ending the violence and achieving lasting national reconciliation.”

Mr. Ban’s Special Representative in Iraq, Ashraf Qazi, condemned the attacks in the villages of Kahtaniya, al-Jazeera and Tal Uzair in northern Iraq as an “abominable crime aimed at widening the sectarian and ethnic divide.”

He called on the authorities to ensure that those responsible for “this horrific crime” are brought to justice.

Both Mr. Ban and Mr. Qazi extended their condolences to the families of those killed and their wishes for a full and speedy recovery for those who were wounded.