Iraq: UN condemns assassination attempt on Prime Minister ‘in the strongest terms’ |

According to news reports, the exploding drone caused damage to the residence and several of the Prime Minister’s security guards were injured in the attack.

Mr. al-Kadhimi was sworn into office last May.

The Green Zone is home to government offices and many foreign embassies. So far, no group has blamed itself for the attack and remains of the explosive-laden drone have been recovered as part of an ongoing investigation.

“The mission expresses its relief that the prime minister was not injured in the drone attack,” the UNAMI statement said.

UN Secretary General António Guterres also issued a statement condemning the attack in the strongest possible terms and calling for the perpetrators “of this crime to be brought to justice”.

“The Secretary General calls on all Iraqis to exercise the utmost restraint and to reject all violence and any attempt to destabilize Iraq.

No place for terrorism, violence

“Terror, violence and illegal acts must not undermine the stability of Iraq and bring its democratic process to a standstill,” it said.

The attack was condemned by both the Iranian government and the United States.

Protests outside the Green Zone against last month’s general election results turned violent on Friday as protesters clashed with security forces and reportedly accused Iraq’s political elite of manipulating the vote.

One protester was reportedly killed and dozens of security forces injured. The Prime Minister has ordered an investigation into the causes of the violence.

The turnout was low at just 41 percent, and supporters of pro-Iranian parties and militias lost ground, according to preliminary results. Protesters reportedly are calling on the Iraqi government and the independent electoral commission to re-count.

Call for restraint

The UN mission joined the Prime Minister and called for “calm and urgent restraint” in the days following the attack.

“In addition, UNAMI strongly encourages all sides to take responsibility for the de-escalation and to enter into a dialogue in order to reduce political tensions and safeguard Iraq’s national interests.”

The UNAMI statement concluded by stating that the United Nations “stands by all Iraqis who long for peace and stability; they deserve nothing less. “

https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/11/1105132