We have learned with deep sorrow that more than one hundred people lost their lives as a result of the bombing attacks perpetrated during daytime in various locations of Iraq and during evening hours in Baghdad yesterday (9 September).

We strongly condemn these terrorist attacks. We share the grief of the friendly and brotherly people of Iraq, wish God’s mercy upon those who lost their lives in these attacks, convey our condolences to their bereaved relatives and wish a speedy recovery to those wounded.

It is Turkey’s most sincere wish that the fraternal bloodshed in our neighbor Iraq will finally come to an end and that stability, peace and reconciliation will prevail in the country. These attacks once again vividly demonstrate that the political tensions that have been present in Iraq for a long time provide a fertile ground for terrorist groups. We wish that these sad incidents will induce the Iraqi leaders to urgently exert additional efforts to establish peace and reconciliation in the country.

We believe that the people of Iraq will not allow those circles that target the unity and integrity of the country to reach their goals. Furthermore, we emphasize our solidarity with the people of Iraq in their legitimate fight against terrorism.