Annan deplores attempted assassination in Iraq
Annan deplores attempted assassination in Iraq
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan strongly condemned today's assassination attempt against Dr. Akila al-Hashimi, a member of the Iraqi Governing Council, and warned that the attack would only undermine the country's political progress.
In a statement released by his spokesman in New York, Mr. Annan pointed out that an inclusive political process is needed in order to quickly establish a broad-based and representative Iraqi government to which sovereignty can be transferred. “Violence such as the murderous attack on Dr. al-Hashimi only retards that process and that goal,” he said.
Commenting on the broader problem of instability, the spokesman said the Secretary-General “remains greatly concerned about the security situation in Iraq.”
Through the statement, Mr.
Annan also extended to Dr. al-Hashimi and her family his
concern as well as best wishes for a full and rapid
recovery.