MFA Spokesman Alexander Lukashevich Answers a Media Question about Twin Terror Attacks in Iraq

Question: How do you assess the security situation in Iraq in light of yesterday's twin bomb attacks in Taji and the general escalation of violence in June?

Answer: A dual terrorist attack occurred on July 5 in Taji town, located 20 kilometers north of Baghdad, according to Iraqi and international media reports. About 40 people were killed and more than 60 others sustained injuries of varying degrees of severity.

The incident happened on the square in front of a municipal government building when the mayor, tribal chiefs and senior security officials were meeting there.

We strongly condemn these murderous crimes, for which there is and can be no justification whatever the organizers and perpetrators' motives may be. We express our condolences to the relatives of the dead and sympathy for those injured and their families.

The security situation in Iraq remains difficult. We support the Iraqi government's efforts to eradicate terrorism. At the same time we note the importance of active steps towards national reconciliation based on the widest possible dialogue in the interests of all Iraqis.