Top UN envoy in Iraq strongly condemns attack on Baghdad church

The United Nations top envoy in Iraq today strongly condemned last night’s terrorist attack on a Catholic Church in Baghdad that reportedly took dozens of lives, as he reaffirmed the need to speed the formation of a government in order to boost security in the country.

“[A]cts of violence targeting the Iraqi people, of all different backgrounds, continue to claim lives on a daily basis,” Ad Melkert, Special Representative of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Iraq, said in a statement.

To ensure the country’s ability to protect its citizens, he reiterated that every effort should be exerted by Iraqi leaders to expedite agreement on formation of the government and other outstanding issues.

The deaths, along with numerous injuries, occured during an operation to rescue worshippers taken hostage at the Sayidat al-Nejat – our Lady of Salvation – church, media reports said.

In today’s statement, Mr. Melkert also extended condolences to the families of the victims and the people and Government of Iraq, wishing the wounded a speedy recovery.