Brussels, 22/12/2011 (Agence Europe) - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton, speaking on Thursday 22 December, has condemned the wave of bomb attacks in Baghdad and called for “inclusive and genuine dialogue”, at a time when a political crisis is paralysing Iraqi institutions. Ashton strongly condemns the latest wave of violent attacks in Iraq, her spokesperson says in a press release. She deplores the loss of life caused by “terrorists exploiting a fragile political situation”.
In an apparently coordinated attack, some 10 bombs exploded in various districts of Baghdad during the morning rush hour on Thursday, killing at least 57 people and injuring 176, according to the Iraqi Health Ministry. This is the first violence since the start of a political crisis which is threatening the delicate balance between the country's Shiite majority and the Sunni minority. Ashton urged the government and all political groups to engage in an “inclusive and genuine dialogue” to address political differences. “Ensuring that the government in Iraq is both effective and inclusive is the best way to defy the continuing violence”, she said, stressing: “political dialogue is now even more urgent”. (LC/transl.rt)