04/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - Constant condemnation of violence. In the face of murderous attacks taking place on a daily basis, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton reiterated, on 2 October, that “the EU has constantly expressed its public condemnation of the recent spiral of violence” in Iraq. “This escalation of sectarian violence in Iraq poses a serious threat to the stability of the country”, he added. Ashton has urged the political leaders and religious authorities on several occasions “to spare no effort searching for ways to reduce tensions and ensure that all Iraqi citizens are protected from violence”, the spokesperson stated. In September, 979 Iraqis were killed and 2,133 others were wounded in acts of violence, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. Elsewhere, with 23 people having been executed on 22 and 26 September, the EU has reiterated its opposition to the death penalty, stating that it discusses this issue in its meeting with the Iraqi authorities, and that it asks them to apply a moratorium, while waiting for the total abolition. (CG/transl.fl)