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UN envoy strongly condemns killing of Iraqi parliament member

Special Representative Martin Kobler.
UN Photo/Rick Bajornas
Special Representative Martin Kobler.

UN envoy strongly condemns killing of Iraqi parliament member

The top United Nations envoy in Iraq has strongly condemned the killing of Ifan Al-Issawi, a Member of Parliament struck down in a terrorist attack during a demonstration in Fallujah in which a number of others were also killed and injured.

Martin Kobler, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), extended his condolences to the families of Mr. Al-Issawi and of the other victims, and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded.

He reiterated that it is vital to ensure that demonstrations are peaceful and that they are protected from infiltration by terrorists.

“I call again on all political forces to foil any attempt at instigating strife and to demonstrate utmost restraint,” Mr. Kobler said in a news release issued by UNAMI.

Last week the Special Representative took note of demonstrations taking place in several Iraqi governorates, and called for those taking part and those providing security to ensure that the protests are carried out peacefully.

“We call on the protesters to refrain from violence and to maintain the peaceful character of their demonstrations and on the security forces to show the utmost restraint in maintaining law and order,” Mr. Kobler had stated.

Established as a political mission by the UN Security Council in 2003, UNAMI is mandated to help with advancing inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation, as well as assisting in the electoral process, among other duties.