18/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - EU condemns atrocities in Iraq. On Tuesday 17 June, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Stefan Füle spoke of the EU's great dismay at, and condemnation of, the recent atrocities in Iraq. He also reiterated the EU's solidarity and support as regards the abduction of Turkish citizens in Iraq. The EU had earlier stated its firm condemnation on 13 June of the raid on the Turkish Consulate General in Mosul (Iraq) and of the taking hostage of 31 Turkish citizens in a power plant in the Gyarah region of Mosul. “The EU fully supports Turkey's efforts to win its citizens' safe release and stands ready to help Turkey in this difficult time”, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton had said. “These abductions demonstrate the gravity of the security situation in Iraq, in particular in the Mosul area”, her spokesperson stated. (CG)