IRAQ-The top United Nations official in Iraq yesterday strongly condemned the series of bombings across the country over the past two days that have killed scores of people and injured many more.

At least 68 people have died, according to media reports, following an explosion in Baqouba yesterday and explosions today in the capital, Baghdad, and on the outskirts of Nasiriyah. The bombings are the latest in a series of deadly attacks across Iraq in recent weeks, and have sparked concerns about renewed political and sectarian tensions.

Martin Kobler, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq and the head of the UN mission (UNAMI) to the country, issued a statement expressing concern about the continuing violence.

“Everyone agrees that violent incidents have decreased in number since 2009 but we are not talking about mere statistics and figures,” he said.

“These casualty figures are people – women and men, the youth of the country and its children. These are mainly civilians and one life taken per day is one life too many and this has to be stopped.”

All Iraqis must work together “to end the hideous crimes being committed against the Iraqi people,” he stressed.

“I urge all Iraqis to remain steadfast in the face of those who are using violence in its worst forms to prevent the country and its people from succeeding as a democratic, stable, secure and prosperous nation.”

Source: United Nations