Statement by the spokesperson on the latest attacks in Baghdad, Iraq

On the 16 February 2017, a third terrorist attack in three consecutive days targeted Baghdad, causing many deaths among the people of the city. For the European Union,violence targeting innocent civilians is unacceptable. These attacks confirmed the importance of overcoming divisions within the country, focusing on combatting terrorist groups and restoring security and the rule of law throughout the whole country.

The European Union would support Iraq in its efforts to achieve reconciliation and bring reform, and would pledge to continue its political and financial support to the population and the authorities in the country in their fight for peace, democracy and pluralism.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Combating terrorism http://www.europeansources.info/record/combating-terrorism-3/

ESO: Background information: Trump’s refugee ban stirs European unease, condemnation http://www.europeansources.info/record/trumps-refugee-ban-stirs-european-unease-condemnation/

ESO: Background information: Will peace get a chance in Astana? http://www.europeansources.info/record/will-peace-get-a-chance-in-astana/

ESO: Background information: After ISIS: How to Win the Peace in Iraq and Libya http://www.europeansources.info/record/after-isis-how-to-win-the-peace-in-iraq-and-libya/

ESO: Find further information in ESO on Iraq http://www.europeansources.info/advSearchLink?keyword=iraq%20&searchOption=all

EU: EEAS: Iraq and the European Union https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/690/iraq-and-eu_en

BBC News: Iraq Country Profile http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14542954

CNN, 16.02.17: ISIS claims responsibility for deadly Baghdad blast http://edition.cnn.com/2017/02/16/middleeast/iraq-baghdad-violence-bomb/

Kuwait News Agency, 17.02.17: France Condems Terrorism Attack in Iraq and Pakistan http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2592466&language=en

France24, 16.02.17: Deadly car bombing rips Baghdad auto market again http://www.france24.com/en/20170216-iraq-car-bombing-baghdad-auto-market

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