UN Envoy condemns attacks on mosques in Babylon Province

“I condemn the attacks on the three mosques in Babylon Province,” said Mr. Kubiš.

“These attacks are an attempt to stoke sectarian tensions in Iraq and the region,” Kubiš added. " Those behind the attacks attempt to exploit the current regional circumstances and weaken the unity of Iraq and its people. They serve ultimately the interests of the terrorist ISIL, ” said Mr. Kubiš.

In this connection, he recalled the recent appeal of the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon for calm and restraint in reaction to the execution of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr and his appeal to all regional leaders to work to avoid the exacerbation of sectarian tensions. The Secretary-General is deeply dismayed over the recent executions by Saudi Arabia of 47 people, including the Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

“I urge all Iraqis, all Iraqi political forces and representatives and the media to demonstrate their commitment to the unity and solidarity of Iraq and its people and to show restraint including in their statements. I urge the Iraqi authorities, the Security Forces to prevent and counter attempts to incite violence and divisions” he further added.