Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton: aanslagen Irak onaanvaardbaar (en)

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 20 March 2013 A

Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton i on the recent wave of terrorist attacks in Iraq

The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission issued the following statement today:

"I condemn in the strongest possible terms the wave of terrorist attacks in the past days in Iraq, targeting innocent civilians as well as government institutions, including the Ministry of Justice. Dozens of people died as a result of these unacceptable attacks, and many more have been injured. I express my condolences to the families of the victims and to the Iraqi authorities.

I am confident that the Iraqi people will remain steadfast in their continued rejection of attempts by extremists to undermine the security and the stability of their country. I call again on the Government of Iraq and all Iraqi leaders to engage in an inclusive and genuine dialogue to address the many challenges facing the country. Ensuring effective and inclusive democratic governance in Iraq is the best way to ultimately defy the continuing violence. "