SC/8647
IK/540
23 February 2006
Security Council Press Statement on Iraq
NEW YORK, 22 February (UN Headquarters) -- The following Security Council press statement on Iraq was delivered today by Council President John Bolton ( United States):
The members of the Security Council strongly condemn the attack on the holy Shrine of Imams Ali al-Hadi and al-Hasan al-Askari in Samarra this morning and ensuing attacks on other religious sites. They note with concern that these criminal and sacrilegious acts were carried out with the aim of igniting inter-communal and sectarian tensions and undermining prospects for peace and stability.
The members of the Security Council understand the anguish caused by the attacks, but urge the people of Iraq to defy their perpetrators by showing restraint and unity. They call on the people of Iraq to come together against violence and terror and in support of the peaceful political process, national dialogue and unity. To this end, the members of the Security Council again call on Iraq's political leaders to work with resolve towards the formation of a fully inclusive Government, which will strive to build a peaceful, prosperous, democratic and united Iraq.
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