Condemns bomb attacks in Baghdad

“I strongly condemn today’s attacks in Baghdad, which appear to have killed more than 50 people. It is particularly worrying that these attacks are taking place at a time when the political situation in Iraq is so fragile,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

There was a series of coordinated bomb attacks on shops, schools and public building in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, today. The attacks came just days after the last US troops withdrew from the country.

“It is vital that the Iraqi authorities and all political factions in the country now take part in an inclusive process in order to bolster the fragile democracy. A democracy that represents the various ethnic and religious groups in the country is the only way to meet the needs of all the Iraqi people. Norway will continue to support institution building in various areas in Iraq,” said Foreign Minister Støre.

Norway is providing support to the petroleum sector, the justice sector, anti-corruption efforts and efforts to promote human rights.