06/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - Fresh condemnation of bombings. On 5 September, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton again condemned, “in the strongest terms”, the series of 12 car bombings that reportedly killed around 50 civilians on 3 September in predominantly Shiia districts of Baghdad (Iraq). Saying again that she is concerned by the escalation of violence in Iraq over the past months, “which is fuelling sectarianism and undermining the stability of the country”, Ashton reiterated her call to 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”, she added. More than 60 were killed on 3 September, including 50 in Baghdad, and on 4 September, at least 35 were also killed in bombings. (CG/transl.fl)