UN chief strongly condemns latest wave of attacks in Iraq ahead of the Eid holiday

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today condemned in the strongest terms a string of bombings which have killed or wounded scores of Iraqis ahead of the Eid Al-Adha holiday.

The bombings are “particularly despicable” due to the timing given Eid is a time when Iraqis extend their hands to the needy and the suffering, Mr. Ban said in a statement from his spokesperson.

“On this holiday, the Secretary-General reiterates his call on Iraqi leaders to work for political unity and bring the country back from the brink of sectarian violence,” according to the statement.

Dozens of people have reportedly been killed in the past days, including school children.

Mr. Ban extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and the Government of Iraq, and wishes the wounded a speedy recovery.

The top United Nations official in Iraq called last week on political, religious and civil leaders to work together with security forces to halt a recent surge in violence.

Nearly 1,000 Iraqis were killed and more than 2,000 wounded in acts of terrorism and violence last month, according to the UN Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).

In today’s statement, Mr. Ban said the UN, including UNAMI, will continue to support the Government and people of Iraq in building a peaceful, democratic and prosperous country.