SG/SM/9725
IK/480
21 February 2005
Secretary-General Condemns Baghdad Mosque Bombings
NEW YORK, 18 February (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary-General condemns the deadly mosque bombings that took place today during prayer in Baghdad. He conveys his deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims.
The Secretary-General regrets the continued acts of intolerance and violence, particularly when perpetrated against innocent civilians and places of worship. Now that Iraqis have successfully held their elections, the Secretary-General appeals to Iraqis of all faiths, ethnic backgrounds and political persuasions to come together in a spirit of dialogue and national reconciliation to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Iraq.
The United Nations will continue to stand by the Iraqi people to help them succeed in this critical period of their history.
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