UN Urges Iraqi Leaders to Establish Dialogue After Attacks

Following Latest Attacks, UN Envoy Urges Iraqi Leaders to Establish Dialogue

New York, Jun 16 2013 - The United Nations envoy in Iraq today condemned the latest wave of car bombings across Iraq that injured dozens of civilians, and called on the country's leaders to sit together and address the nation's current challenges.

"Less than a week after a string of similar attacks, Iraqis are hit by another round of deadly and remorseless acts of terrorism," said the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq, Martin Kobler.

"Nothing can justify such despicable and heinous crimes targeting innocent people going about their daily business."

At least 30 people were killed, and many more injured, in a string of car bombings this morning in crowded areas across central and southern Iraq, media reports said. On Monday, similar attacks killed 70 people across cities in northern Iraq.

The past couple of months have been some of the deadliest on record in the country. In April, 712 Iraqis were killed and more than 1,600 injured. In May, the death toll increased to 1,045 and more than 2,300 were wounded, according to figures released by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).

UN officials, including Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon have repeatedly called on Iraqi authorities to redouble their efforts to support reconciliation and end sectarian violence.

Mr. Kobler called on political leaders to "sit together with good faith and determination to address all pending problems that the country continues to face."

He also extended his deep sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded.

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

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