24/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - Catherine Ashton condemns recent attacks. On 23 September, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton condemned the attacks in Iraq on 21 and 22 September that claimed the lives of over a hundred people and left nearly 200 injured during a funeral in Baghdad, and that killed two policemen in the north of the country. While being “extremely concerned” about the escalation of sectarian violence and the threat it poses to the stability of Iraq, Ashton welcomed the recent initiatives by Iraqi political leaders to resolve their differences and promote reconciliation as a means of achieving lasting peace. She encouraged them to spare no effort in searching for ways to reduce tensions and ensure that all citizens are protected from violence. Over 500 people died in attacks at the beginning of September. (CG/transl.fl)