By IANS,
Washington : The US Tuesday condemned the deadly bomb attacks in Iraq that killed at least 45 people, and raised questions about the security situation in the country ahead of an upcoming Arab summit.
“We strongly condemn the attacks on innocent civilians in Iraq, a blatant attempt by extremists to undermine Iraq’s progress toward a more secure, stable and prosperous future,” Xinhua quoted White House spokesman Jay Carney as saying.
Carney offered condolences to the victims and expressed support to Iraq’s efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
He said the attacks were “clearly aimed at trying to get attention” in the run-up of the Arab League summit scheduled to be held in Baghdad March 29.
However, despite the recent spate of attacks, Carney insisted that violence in Iraq remained at “near-historic lows” and Iraqi forces have proven themselves capable of maintaining security in the war-torn country.
A string of bombings and gunfire killed 45 people and wounded at least 212 in seven Iraqi provinces Tuesday.
The attacks came on the ninth anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq that toppled Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.