Baghdad, 2 April 2013 – The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq, Mr. Martin Kobler, today visited the “Al-Rasul Al-A’tham” Husseiniya in Kirkuk and met with cleric Muhsin Al-Battat, who was wounded in the attack on the mosque last week. He also had a meeting with the Governor of Kirkuk, Mr. Najmuddin Omar Karim, with whom he discussed political developments and in particular the question of elections in the province.
“This is a visit of solidarity with the people of Kirkuk, a protest against the violence that affects all of the city’s components,” Mr. Kobler said. “The people want peace. I reiterate my call on all political leaders to engage in inclusive dialogue to resolve their differences and defuse sectarian tensions.”