New York, 22 August 2014 – Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on sectarian violence in Iraq

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the reported attack on a mosque in Diyala Province, said to have killed dozens of Sunni worshippers.  Attacks on places of worship are completely unacceptable and are prohibited under international law.  The Secretary-General calls on all Iraqi authorities to ensure that the attack is properly investigated and its perpetrators held to account.

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the impact such acts of sectarian violence will have on the already grave security situation and on the political process aimed at establishing a unified government capable of confronting the threat to Iraq posed by ISIL.  He urges all political leaders to unite and call on their constituents to refrain from sectarianism and to give the political process a chance. Sectarian attacks and counter-attacks only serve the enemies of Iraq.

The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of the victims.
United States Condemns Attack on Worshippers in Iraq

Press Statement

Marie Harf
Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

August 22, 2014

The United States strongly condemns the vicious attack today on innocent men, women, and children inside a mosque in the village of Imam Wais in Diyala province.  The United States stands with the people of Iraq against this violence, and will continue to support all Iraqi citizens, from all parts of the country, as they work to root out violent extremists from any sector of society, and promote a religiously tolerant, diverse, and unified country, as envisioned in the Iraqi Constitution. 
This senseless attack underscores the urgent need for Iraqi leaders from across the political spectrum to take the necessary steps that will help unify the country against all violent extremist groups.  In that light, we note Prime Minister-Designate Al-Abadi’s condemnation and call for unity in defiance of this attack.  We further call on all Iraqi leaders to complete the process of forming a new government on the constitutional timeline, and to stand united against violent extremist groups regardless of their cause or persuasion. 
We express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of today’s senseless attacks, and call on the Government of Iraq to immediately investigate and bring to justice anyone shown to be behind these heinous crimes.