1/22/2011
US condemns recent attacks in Iraq
WASHINGTON, The United States on Friday strongly condemned the string of attacks in Iraq's Anbar, Diyala and Karbala in recent days.
"Clearly, the strategy of those responsible is to attack institutions of the government, particularly of the police," said State Department Spokesman Philip Crowley in a press briefing.
"The one in Karbala yesterday was especially reprehensible, as it targeted Shiite pilgrims practicing their faith," said Crowley, adding "we stand in solidarity with the people of Iraq in rejecting extremist efforts to foment sectarian tensions and undermine the instructions of Iraqi democracy."
At least 45 Shiite pilgrims were killed in simultaneous bomb attacks around the city of Karbala on Thursday, while nearly 60 people were killed in a suicide bomb attack on a police recruitment centre in Tikrit on Tuesday.
Crowley offered condolences to the families of the victims in the recent attacks. He added that the US is encouraged that the attacks "failed" in that they did not "sow tensions within Iraqi society".
"We do not see evidence that it has increased sectarian tension," he told reporters.
http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2139666&Language=en
