“I strongly condemn the bombing of the tombs of the tenth and eleventh imams of Shiite Islam, Imam Ali al-Hadi and Imam Hassan al-Askari, in Samarra on 22 February. The attack on one of the most important Shiite shrines has triggered sectarian conflict and is undermining the Iraqis’ desire for stability and normality,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

“The violent reactions we have seen in Iraq following the bombing show how important it is for all parties in Iraq to exercise restraint in the current situation. Now it is important to do everything possible to prevent further loss of human life,” continued Mr Støre.

“I urge all Iraqi politicians and religious leaders to refrain from the use of violence and to continue the dialogue based on mutual respect. This is a prerequisite for national reconciliation and political stability in Iraq,” the Foreign Minister concluded.