The UN Security Council strongly condemned on Tuesday the bomb attacks in Baghdad that have caused numerous deaths and injuries earlier in the day.
In a statement read out by Bukina Faso's UN Ambassador Michel Kafando, the 15-member body expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed their support for the people and the Iraqi government.
The council underlined the need to bring those responsible for "these reprehensible acts of
terrorism to justice," and urged all states to cooperate actively with Iraqi authorities in this
regard.
Reaffirming the need to combat by all means threats to international peace and security
caused by terrorists, the council urges states to fight terrorism while complying with "all their
obligations under international law."
The council reiterated that "no terrorist act can reverse the path towards peace, democracy
and reconstruction in Iraq, which is supported by the people and the government of Iraq and the international community."
At least 120 people have died and more than 440 others are injured as a result of five
bombings which occurred within minutes of each other across the city.
The attacks have taken place just days after the Iraqi parliament approved revised electoral
laws, paving the way for national elections to be held in the strife-torn country early next year.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also condemned the series of car bombings across
Baghdad.
"I am very shocked and I condemn in the strongest terms possible," Ban told journalists at
UN Headquarters. "This is just unacceptable -- (a) horrendous terrorist bombing against civilians." In a statement issued by his press office, Ban said that "no cause can justify these
attacks on civilians."
"The attacks appear to be aimed at undermining the election process, including the political progress in Iraq," he said, calling on the Iraqi people to "remain steadfast in the face of these attacks and to continue their determined efforts to achieve national reconciliation."