Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the recent violence in Iraq

EU News 387/2013

Brussels, 5 September 2013
A 439/13

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

"I condemn in the strongest terms the series of car bombings that killed many civilians on Tuesday in predominantly Shiia districts of Baghdad. My thoughts go out to the many innocent victims and I express my condolences to their families.

I am seriously concerned by the escalation of violence in Iraq over the past months which is fuelling sectarianism and undermining the stability of the country. I call on all political, religious and community leaders to increase their efforts to end this dangerous cycle of violence. I am confident that the Iraqi people will remain steadfast in their rejection of sectarian violence and work towards a successful transition to democracy and long term stability for the benefit of all of Iraq's citizens."

Source and additional information:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/138660.pdf

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