We learned with great sorrow that according to initial reports 57 people were killed and more than 200 people were wounded in bomb attacks perpetrated today (July 29th) in some Iraqi cities, including Baghdad. We wish God's mercy upon our Iraqi brothers and sisters who lost their lives in these attacks, convey our condolences to their bereaved families and hope for a speedy recovery of the wounded.

We are greatly saddened and concerned by the recent rise in violence in Iraq, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. We call upon all Iraqi leaders, especially the Iraqi Government, to increase their efforts towards preventing these heinous attacks aimed at creating sectarian or ethnic based conflict and assuring the prevalence of peace and security in the country.

Turkey will continue to stand by the friendly and brotherly people of Iraq in its fight against terrorism.