UN Envoy condemns attacks on pilgrims in Iraq

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq Nickolay Mladenov on Wednesday strongly condemned the increased attacks against Shiite pilgrims in Iraq during the Arba'eenia (the 40 days after the Day of Ashura or the martyrdom of Imam Hussein bin Ali). The number of deaths in the recent wave of attacks deliberately targeting Shiite pilgrims who are participating in religious commemoration events across Iraq is unacceptable, Mladenov said in a statement here. Reiterating condemnation of all forms of terrorism particularly the sectarian-motivated violence, he said the practice of religious rites is a sacred right for all believers whatever their faith might be. He called on all Iraqis to exercise self-restraint and avoid provocation, adding that compassion, honour and sacrifice are universal values that need to be upheld by all.