UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Friday strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks across Iraq, voicing UN's solidarity to assist the country "in building a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous country."
"The Secretary-General strongly condemns the recent wave of terrorist attacks across Iraq, which have killed hundreds of people and left many more wounded," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesperson.
Al-Qaida militant group in Iraq on Monday claimed responsibility for a series of deadly bomb and gunfire attacks across the country in the past week. In the mean time, anti- government protests and political row were rife in Iraq.
At least two protesters were killed and 10 others injured as they clashed with police forces on Friday morning in Iraq's Fallujah city. Local media reported that the Iraqi troops opened fire during the confrontation with Sunni protesters rallying against the Shiite-led government.
In the statement, the UN chief also "regrets the killing and injuring of a number of protesters today in Fallujah." Recognizing the right to peaceful assembly, Ban called on all parties to "exercise maximum restraint", the statement said.
"The Secretary-General renews his call of last December to Iraqi political leaders and members of the Council of representatives to engage in an inclusive dialogue, so as to strengthen the unity and security of the country," it added.
"The United Nations, through the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), remains committed and stands ready to assist the people and the government of Iraq in building a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous country," the statement added.
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