UN envoy in Iraq condemns attacks on government offices

The top United Nations official in Iraq today strongly condemned the attacks targeting the Ministry of Justice and other locations in the capital, Baghdad, which killed and injured dozens of people.

“Today’s terrorist attacks targeted the heart of Iraq’s democratic institutions. I condemn them in the strongest possible terms,” the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Martin Kobler, said in a statement.

According to media reports, at least 18 people were killed and 30 others injured in what appear to have been coordinated attacks targeting government buildings.

“The Ministry of Justice is vital for efforts to build a stable, prosperous and democratic country where the rights of the people of Iraq are protected and the rule of law is upheld,” added Mr. Kobler, who is also the head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

Mr. Kobler extended his condolences to the families of the victims and wishes for a speedy recovery to those wounded.