Attempt on life of Iraqi Deputy PM: FM expresses shock

COLOMBO: Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama yesterday expressed his shock and consternation at the attempt made on the life of Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Salam Zaubai at a time efforts are being made to restore normalcy in Iraq.

Conveying his sentiments to his Iraqi counterpart Hoshyar Zebari, Minister Bogollagama in a message states: ”I was greatly perturbed to learn of the recent assassination attempt in Baghdad in which the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Salam Zaubai was injured.”

“We feel relieved that the Deputy Prime Minister survived this attack and we wish to express our condolences with respect to those who lost their lives as well in this attack.

“I also wish to condemn the terrorist attack near the office of the Iraqui Prime Minister on Friday where a joint press conference with UN Secretary - General Ban Ki-moon and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki was taking place.

“At a time when efforts are being made to restore normalcy in Iraq with the assistance from the International Community the continuance of such act of terrorism are reprehensible.”