Iman Chairman joins condemnation of recent wave of terrorist attacks in Iraq
Domingo, 20 Octubre 2013
Hundreds of innocent people have been killed in the attacks
UN chief strongly condemns latest wave of attacks in Iraq ahead of the Eid holiday
UN News Centre
14 OCTOBER, 2013
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.
Condemning the attacks, Ribal Al-Assad, Chairman of the Iman Foundation said:
"I am horrified to hear of this most recent spate of attacks by extremists ahead of the Eid Al-Adha holiday and I echo the words of Ban Ki-Moon in saying these were despicable attacks.
Islam is a religion of peace and we must be mindful of the sura in the Koran which reads "he who kills a soul.. will be as if he had killed all mankind; and he who saves a life will be as if he had saved the lives of all humankind.”
It is clear that these attacks are perpetrated by an extremist minority who want to exterminate anyone who doesn't share their perverted ideology of Islam. They must not be allowed to succeed.
At this time of year it is important that the Iraqi people stand strong together, united in their condemnation of the extremist ideologies behind these attacks. Sectarianism only leads to bloodshed and Iraq has seen enough of it.
I also call on the international community to stand together in the face of these extremists, they must ensure that those who committed these atrocities are held to account for their actions.
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families at this time."
