We have learned with great sorrow that nearly 30 people lost their lives and another 110 were injured, according to the latest information, in a suicide bombing attack that took place in Yusufiye district, 80 km to the south of Baghdad. We pray God to bless those who lost their lives in the attack, we wish quick recovery for those who were injured, and we extend our condolences to the Iraqi people.

According to information received from our Embassy in Baghdad, the attack took place during a gathering of Turcoman Karakol tribe in which about 3000 people attended.

Preparations have been launched to dispatch an ambulance aircraft to Baghdad in order to bring to Turkey some of those who were injured in the attack for medical treatment.

It is noteworthy that the attack was carried out right after the handover of the bases and other facilities used by the Multinational Force in Baghdad and Basra to the Iraqi Government, which is a significant step for the Iraqi people to regain its full sovereignty.

We are concerned with the recent intensification of such abhorrent terrorist attacks that are aimed at destabilizing Iraq in a critical period before the provincial elections at the end of January.

We condemn this heinous terrorist attack aimed at undermining the will of the Iraqi people to live together in peace and democracy. We call on all the Iraqis to maintain their unity and act in calm and restraint.