UN envoy slams killing of Iraqi parliament member

UNITED NATIONS - The top United Nations envoy in Iraq on Tuesday strongly condemned the killing of Ifan Al- Issawi, a member of the Iraqi Parliament struck down in a terrorist attack during a demonstration in Fallujah, in which a number of others were also killed or injured.

Martin Kobler, the UN secretary-general's special representative and head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq ( UNAMI), extended his condolences to the families of Al-Issawi and of the other victims, and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded.

He reiterated that it is vital to ensure that demonstrations are peaceful and that they are protected from infiltration by terrorists.

"I call again on all political forces to foil any attempt at instigating strife and to demonstrate utmost restraint," Kobler said in a news release issued by UNAMI.

Al-Issawi was killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up in the restive city of Fallujah, some 50 kilometers west of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, his three bodyguards were also killed.

Last week, the special representative took note of demonstrations taking place in several Iraqi governorates, and called for those taking part and those providing security to ensure that the protests are carried out peacefully.

"We call on the protesters to refrain from violence and to maintain the peaceful character of their demonstrations and on the security forces to show the utmost restraint in maintaining law and order," Kobler had stated.

Established as a political mission by the UN Security Council in 2003, UNAMI is mandated to help with advancing inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation, as well as assisting in the electoral process.