Baghdad-21 June 2009-- The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Iraq (SRSG) Staffan de Mistura condemned in the strongest terms the abhorrent bombing in Taza district south of Kirkuk. The bombing on Saturday, 20 June, resulted in the killing of more than 70 civilians and the wounding of more than 180 others.
Speaking from New York, where he has been briefing the United Nations Security Council on the situation in Iraq, the SRSG described the bombing as a, “horrifying and wicked crime against innocent civilians, destroying more than 80 homes and businesses and severely damaging a mosque.” He added, “While this despicable crime is aimed at provoking a new cycle of mass violence and revenge, and aims to sow new tensions among the different communities of this area, the overwhelming majority of the Iraqi people, including in Kirkuk governorate, have opted for dialogue and compromise to resolve whatever differences they may have.”
Mr. de Mistura extends the United Nations\' sincere condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for a speedy recovery for the wounded.