Reactie Hoge Vertegenwoordiger Ashton op recente aanslagen in Irak (en)

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 05 July 2013 A

Statement by the Spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton i on the latest spate of attacks in Iraq

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

"The High Representative condemns the spate of attacks that has taken place in recent days in Iraq, leaving an alarming number of casualties. She is extremely concerned by the continued violence in Iraq, which is clearly intended to fuel sectarian strife and destabilise the country. The UN estimates that more than 2500 people have been killed since April.

The High Representative expresses her deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured. She takes this opportunity to express her confidence that the Iraqi people will continue to reject extremism and violence. She once again urges Iraq's political leaders to unite to create a strong front against all forms of violence and to do their utmost to create a stable and inclusive political environment. "