Iraq: top UN envoy deplores killing of parliament member

The top United Nations official in Iraq today strongly condemned the assassination of an Iraqi member of parliament, Saleh al-Auqaeil.

The killing was “an outrageous crime aimed at perpetuating instability in Iraq,” said Staffan de Mistura, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq, in a statement.

Mr. de Mistura, who is also the chief of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), extended his deepest condolences to the family of Mr. al-Auqaeil, to the other members of the Council of Representatives and to the Iraqi people.

According to media reports, Mr. al-Auqaeil was killed by a bomb strapped to a motorcycle which exploded as his convoy drove past. Two other people were also reported to be killed in the blast, which took place in Sadr City.